Source: Dimhou / Pixabay
My name is Bethany Yeiser. I live a fulfilling life in full recovery from schizophrenia. Through my work as a schizophrenia advocate and nonprofit president, I have found great purpose and meaning. I also have wonderful relationships in my life, which I treasure and am thankful for. Today, I am privileged to be living beyond my diagnosis, as are millions of people from around the world with schizophrenia.
When we think of the word “schizophrenia,” many negative thoughts and stereotypes may quickly come to mind. At the time I was diagnosed, I considered people with schizophrenia to be set apart from society and to be people without hope for recovery. Today, I know that recovery is possible, and each person with schizophrenia has a unique story.
Of all the things that have ever happened to me in my life, I am most grateful for my parents’ decision to see me underneath my diagnosis of schizophrenia. When they visited me in the hospital, my personality was hidden by acute psychosis and sedating medication, but they saw me for the person I still was deep inside. In 2008, a year later, they helped me find an effective medication, enabling 16 years of recovery.
I’m thankful that my parents did not see me as only a hopeless “schizophrenic” and decide to leave me to fend for myself in the hospital system. Instead, they saw my humanity and value, and committed themselves to work hard for my recovery. Instead of leaving me in an institution, they invited me to live in their home.
In the New Year, when people see me, I want them to see my humanity, my work, my worth, and my compassion, not my schizophrenia. I understand the need to recognize a person’s humanity, and never a diagnosis. Please don’t call me a schizophrenic. My name is Bethany.
Also, in the New Year, I resolve to not call someone a paralytic, a diabetic, or put other labels on them that may hide their humanity and their worth. I will see people for the beauty of who they are.
I celebrate several people in my life who are living beyond their schizophrenia diagnosis. They are thriving, courageous, brave, and adventurous. In 2025, I endeavor to continue my work featuring the success stories of people living successfully with schizophrenia, which I do through the CURESZ Foundation. As of today, the CURESZ Foundation features 45 remarkable people who are thriving despite the illness, whom we call “survivors.” These people come from all backgrounds and many ethnicities, with very different experiences. Many have lived through homelessness, abuse, and years of ineffective medication. They are curious and seeking to learn, generous, loving, and unique human beings.
Today, like me, their lives are filled with meaningful work, family and friends. The foundation highlights a computer programmer, CEOs, a faculty member who teaches fine art, social workers, and medical researchers. Most were told at some point that they would never work or attend school again, or live independently. Many of these people have done extraordinary things. Featuring these success stories is one of the greatest privileges of my life.
I find that when we choose to see a person’s humanity and not their diagnosis, we honor them and see them for who they are. I have also found that, sometimes, the obstacles we face in life can change us for the better, making relationships sweeter and more endearing.
In the New Year, please join me as I try my best to not just look at, but to see the people around me, recognizing their gifts, talents, and courage, even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable obstacles that can come through the onset of a diagnosis.
