I’ve never seen anything like your film. Astounding. First, personally - my son was diagnosed with schizophrenia many years ago and he is now 41. I have a professional interest as well. I am a counselor and group facilitator at a growth center. None of us have ever seen such a REAL film before. It’s like watching our lives. Thank you.
I have a similar diagnosis and am as well classified "disabled" because of my problems... it is so hard to allow people to see your episodes let alone video tape it for the world...
My mother saw the film too.... now here i am attempting to write an email, not something I would typically do. i really just felt i have so much in common with John.... I too am an artist and in school for photography… I’m hoping the worst of my problems are behind me -- though from what my therapist tells me the worst years medically may be what I’m coming onto... Right now I am finally finding some balances in medications.
Your story is being heard and affecting people out here. You have touched me not just as an artist but as a fellow "crazy" person. OH and by the way there definitly are plenty of girls out there who like big guys, I should know I’m one of them. :c)
I'm 17 teen years old and a senior in high school and currently diagnosed with schizophrenia and have been for about 2 years. After I saw your film I decided I need to do a project for school about our illness. I’ve been collecting tips and advice to give to a younger generation like me about how to deal with it. I’m including some of the things you do – like checking out the reality of your thoughts, or telling yourself it’s not true. You’re so brave. I want to let people know that it can be overcome and that it affects more people than people think.
Every group home in the US should see your film. Not only people with this illness but some doctors and counselors who don’t have a clue about the inside view. It’s hard to meet with them when you can tell they don’t understand, and especially when they want us to do things our brains aren’t capable of when we’re very sick.
I just watched People Say I'm Crazy tonight on TV. Please pass on to John how much I appreciate him opening his mind and soul to the camera. I have two sons aged 21 and 29. The older one has bipolar affective disorder and the younger one has schizophrenia coupled with OCD and a touch of Tourettes.
The older son has it much easier - he is a normal regular likable guy most of the time but has to get through some very dramatic highs and lows on a regular basis. The younger son has many more problems. He is not able to communicate how he feels or what is happening to him, and John's film really helped me to understand what is going on inside his head.
I laughed, I cried, and have a million other emotions and feelings that I'll have to figure out later. My Mom is in her 50's and she is paranoid schizophrenic. We are closer now than we have ever been but don't get to see each other often. I grew up with my uncle and aunt because Mom was unable to care for me and my brothers and sisters. I've seen her very ill, and have a couple memories of her being really happy and content.
Lately she seems pretty content when we talk on the phone or visit. I don't think she has had a great family support system. It touched me so much to see your family rally around you and the love that radiates through you all. My family doesn't talk about Mom's illness. My grandpa is my Mom's rock. Always goes to see her and takes her out even when he is sick
This film helped me to understand what my mom might have been feeling and going through – and what she probably is feeling and going through now. I have two boys and I worry about them inheriting schizophrenia. My husband also worries about it. He hasn't met my Mom. Your story has helped me realize that if that happens I can deal with it.
You have shown that with the right resources it can be managed and quality of life improved greatly. A person has to keep trying until they find the help that they need. You are an incredible artist, and I am touched and thankful you had the courage to do this. I can't even find all the words to convey how much this has impacted me. Thank you and your family a million times. You are a blessing, and I am honored to have had a glimpse of a part of your life. You're in my prayers and I am rooting for you everyday.
I have never been so deeply affected in my life - it was like watching our own family's lives. My son, who will turn 25 in October, suffers from schizophrenia also; he even looks like John.
What a fantastic thing John and his sister have done. My husband and I signed up for HBO specifically to watch the film. After watching the film, I came to the conclusion that many more people need to see it. So I contacted a wonderful local business and they have agreed to let me show the film there. After that, I have more ideas on where to show it. You’ve turned me into even more of an activist than I already was
On Monday night I was lucky enough to view People Say I’m Crazy and I want to thank you for making the film. I am 34 years old and have an older brother who was diagnosed as schizophrenic over 10 years ago. As with John he has good days and bad days and as with John his illness has brought our family closer together. We are at a point where he has found some better medication and things are far better than they once were. Hopefully my brother's darkest days are behind him.
I cannot imagine the courage it took for John to push ahead w/ this film but it has really helped me out. It reminded me of my own family and I saw many parallels between John and my brother’s lives. It brought back memories of the fear, pain and confusion that I felt as I watched my brother first face his disease. The film also reminded me of how far he's come and how much more he has to live for, and to be mindful of the difficulties he continues to face. I catch myself losing patience w/ him at times as he may write down word for word some piece of advice I have given him on how to handle a situation but then I saw the same behavior from John in the film.
One of the best things was that it just felt good to see that my family is not alone. Thank-you for that.
My son was diagnosed with the same illness eight years ago. It has been quite a journey, but, like John, he is doing so much better now that he is taking medication. I bought your movie for the local library and have organized an event, Mental Illness Awareness Week. Keep up your beautiful art. You don’t realize how many people you have inspired with your art and your story. Now my city will get to be inspired too.
Your art and life story really inspired me. It helps me realize there are people living just like me; afraid to go outside, hearing voices, paranoid and covering it up with headphones. I really enjoyed watching the movie and can relate to almost all of your symptoms and take the same medications you do. I am 25 years old, I also have schizophrenia differentiated since 1998. I also am an artist but not as talented as you are. I live with my mom and sister and am not able to drive like you can. But maybe I’ll be able to get as better as you some day.
Thank you for this uplifting story about schizophrenia. My son has just recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is struggling very hard to cope with all the changes it's created in his life. He doesn't know who to talk to about his feelings besides the doctor and his support group and you’ve helped him start opening up to me.
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