“A lot of people that knew me could sense that something strange was going on”

I feel so privileged to speak with Wesley Alston as he opens up to me about his experience of living with Schizophrenia.

Wesley is 29 years old, from Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A. and started to experience symptoms of schizophrenia in 2011 at the age of 20. It was later that same year he was diagnosed. Through mentorship and support from a number of people including his family, psychiatrist and day program "Sanctuary House" Wesley has been able to regain stability over the last ten years. He now finds himself waking up every day feeling joyous and confident about his life.

We go deep on topics such as:

The effects of Covid-19 on mental health

First symptoms of Schizophrenia

Being hospitalised 

Navigating the first few years after diagnosis 

The struggle of finding a compatible medication 

The stigma of mental health and the distancing of friends 

Reintegration into the workplace and education after diagnosis 

Battling the voices within

Coping mechanisms to keep the best state of mental health

Feeling of purpose and looking to the future

Benefits of a good support system

Practicing patience 

The importance of talking