Elyn Saks Schizophrenia Quotes & Sayings

How we present ourselves at any given time is dependent on the situation. We constantly balance the tension of high aspirations with the pragmatism of realistic expectations. The key is to represent ourselves in such a way that we can fulfill the expectations we create. — Marian Deegan

The schizophrenic mind is not so much split as shattered. I like to say schizophrenia is like a waking nightmare. — Elyn Saks

No, I don't want you to draw any conclusion. I want you to listen to what I just said. — Joe Morgan

There's a tremendous need to implode the myths of mental illness, to put a face on it, to show people that a diagnosis does not have to lead to a painful and oblique life ... We who struggle with these disorders can lead full, happy, productive lives, if we have the right resources. — Elyn R. Saks

Please hear this: There are not 'schizophrenics.' There are people with schizophrenia. — Elyn Saks

Even with all that - excellent treatment, wonderful family and friends, supportive work environment - I did not make my illness public until relatively late in life, and that's because the stigma against mental illness is so powerful that I didn't feel safe with people knowing. If you hear nothing else today, please hear this: There are not 'schizophrenics'. There are people with schizophrenia, and these people may be your spouse, they may be your child, they may be your neighbor, they may be your friend, they may be your coworker. — Elyn Saks

Cell phones, computers, and internet have made it so that we can interact with anyone around the world at any moment, but the quality of our relationships around us have become less transparent. We no longer see our neighbors as neighbors, or people as people. We have been taught to look through our eyes and not our hearts. It is critical that humanity strengthens the relationships between people and learns to help each other. We were all born on this planet with no idea of who we are, and are forced to develop based on our surroundings to form a sense of identity, but deep down we are all the same. — Joseph P. Kauffman

Happiness is right in front of you. — Hafez

She whispered, 'C'etait la Verite?' Was that Verity? Or perhaps she just meant, Was that the truth? Was it true? Did any of it really happen? Were the last three hours real? 'Yes,' I whispered back. 'Oui. C'etait la verite. — Elizabeth Wein

Some people say I'm unique, that there aren't other people with schizophrenia like me. Well, there are people like me out there, but the stigma is so great that they don't come forward. — Elyn Saks

When I was a kid I would get upset when people laughed at me when I didn't mean to be funny. I would always hear,'We're not laughing at you. We're laughing with you.' But I would say, 'I'm not laughing. — Julie Kavner

We used to be close. We used to be like brothers. And if you died ... it would be like a part of my family had died. And I don't think you realize that. — S.C. Stephens

The rigid volunteer rules of right and wrong in sports are second only to religious faith in moral training. — Herbert Hoover

Decide what it is that you are and then stay true to that thing. My brand is based very much on how I live my day-to-day life. — Rachael Ray

My good fortune is not that I've recovered from mental illness. I have not, nor will I ever. My good fortune lies in having found my life. — Elyn R. Saks

I am a woman with chronic schizophrenia. I have spent hundreds of days in psychiatric hospitals. I could have ended up living most of my life on a back ward, but things turned out quite differently. — Elyn Saks