Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of "Surviving Schizophrenia." I'm Stephen, and I truly hope you're having a wonderful day. In today's video, I want to talk about something that's been weighing heavily on me recently - the impact of holiday stress on my schizophrenia and overall well-being.

Firstly, let me share a bit about my current state. I've been feeling exceptionally exhausted lately, more so in the past week or two, and particularly over the last three days. This tiredness is so profound that even after 14 hours of sleep, I wake up feeling drained. It's been affecting my ability to create videos - something that I haven't experienced to this extent in a while.

This exhaustion, I believe, is closely tied to the upcoming holiday season. For many, holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but for me, it's a period filled with stress and overwhelming emotions. Even positive activities like shopping for gifts can be taxing for me. There's a societal expectation to be happy during the holidays, but that's not always my reality, and it feels isolating at times.

Despite the challenges, I've noticed an improvement in how I handle the holidays compared to previous years. Yet, the hustle and bustle, coupled with the pressure to conform to societal norms of happiness during this time, can be quite draining.

Interestingly, about two weeks ago, I had a physical check-up and everything was fine, which leads me to believe that my current state is more psychological, likely stemming from subconscious worries about the holiday season.

To combat this, I'm focusing on self-care and managing my energy levels. Simple steps like going for walks, ensuring good rest, and maintaining a healthy diet can make a significant difference. It's also about setting boundaries for myself, like opting out of certain activities when I feel too exhausted.

Managing medication is another critical aspect of my routine. Being consistent with my medication has been a cornerstone of my stability over the years. I make it a point to double-check with my dad every night to ensure I've taken my meds, as forgetfulness can be a side effect of both my condition and the tiredness I'm experiencing.

Reflecting on my journey, it's been about a decade since my diagnosis with early onset schizophrenia. The path hasn't been easy, but with the help of medication like Clozapine and the support I received during my two-week stay at the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, I've come a long way. The sense of camaraderie with other patients and the kindness of the staff played a significant role in my recovery.

Over the years, I've made substantial progress. I've overcome psychosis, and hallucinations are no longer a part of my daily life, thanks to my diligent medication routine. It's a common misconception that those with schizophrenia constantly battle hallucinations or delusions, but that's not always the case, especially with proper treatment and support.

My YouTube channel started as a platform to de-stigmatize schizophrenia, and it has evolved into a community where we support each other. Your comments and stories have been incredibly uplifting and have played a huge role in my recovery, especially in the past two years.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Your support and kindness have been instrumental in my journey. Although I'm currently going through a tough phase, I'm optimistic that with self-care and your continued support, I'll bounce back soon.

So, here's to moving forward, one step at a time. If you're celebrating Thanksgiving, I wish you a wonderful time with loved ones. And for those venturing out for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, best of luck!

I hope to return with another video soon, but for now, I need to rest and recuperate. Thank you for being part of my journey, and I look forward to our next interaction. Have a healthy and joyful day, and see you in the next video!