Story topics: mother, quality of life, schizophrenia, understand
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.
- a daughter in the Midwest
Story topics: activist, schizophrenia, son
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
- a mom and member of her county Mental Health Commission
Story topics: bipolar, college, self
Your movie really had a profound effect on me. it was the most real film about mental illness i have ever seen. i'm bipolar but with a lot of psychosis, and i just recently graduated from university as a film major. my first psychotic break was at 19, after my freshman year. i was lucky though, after one year, i was able to go back to school, and i'm 23 now.
you have inspired me to try writing a screenplay about my own experience. all the films i had seen until yours have been so untrue to what it is really like to have mental illness. your movie was really special.
- a writer in Connecticut
Story topics: art, college, son
My son was diagnosed approximately two years ago. We have met this challenge with much love and many tears as well as laughter. The darkest times were when the medication wasn't working and he could not do his art. My son’s and John's art are very much alike and as a matter of fact, they look a lot alike. He watched your documentary also. He understood many of John's struggles and wanted John to know he was inspired. Originally, my son left college during the worst part of his illness. He just had his 22nd birthday and hopes to return to college in January.
- a viewer in Missouri (a mom)
Story topics: artist, hope, son, teenager
My son too is an artist, a very talented musician who lost the ability to remember chords when his illness began about age 16. Not understanding his illness, his mother had him arrested and put in jail. Two years ago I brought him to live with me. He has been diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder--he hears voices, has delusions and a mood disorder.
None of the medications helped my son. He developed a swallowing disorder from one of them, so I took him off it and started him on another regimen three months ago. He says he feels better, sleeps less, has become a gourmet, fat-free cook, but still can't play his guitar.
To the Cadigan family, I say thank-you for the courage, for the tenacity and for the love. You all give me much hope.
- a father in North Carolina
Story topics: brother, family, schizophrenia
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.
- a brother in Vancouver
Story topics: Mental Illness Awareness Week, schizophrenia, son
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.
- a mother in Kentucky
Story topics: inspirational, step-son, teenager
I have a step-son who is only 16 and he's been diagnosed since he was 10. For a long time I thought his condition was unique. After watching the documentary yesterday, for the first time, I saw that my son was not alone. Watching your film yesterday was very inspirational.
I have always feared there was a dark future for Mikey. Seeing John.. his mannerisms, expressions, vocal patterns, the pacing, the breathing patterns.....even the little songs he makes up on the fly, they are identical to my son. It was like looking 14 years into the future. I was very happy to hear that John is doing well. I'm no longer frightened for my son.
- a father in Chicago
Story topics: schizophrenia, self
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.
- a television viewer
Story topics: bipolar, self
You’ve touched my life. Dealing with bipolar in my own life, and in the lives of my clients, I have experienced many similar, if not verbatim, things that John has gone through. The whole world needs to see this film.
- an employment counselor
Story topics: self, teenager
I’m 16 yrs. old and I appreciate that John allowed his life to be filmed so that others may understand more about mental illnesses. I was so interested in seeing the film because I have become very interested in schizophrenia and how it affects people. Many people out there have misconceptions about this disease. I often have heard "Isn't that a split personality?"
Hopefully through your film and me straightening people out, the world will become informed. I will never know exactly what you are going through, but I can sympathize. I was diagnosed when I was in 9th grade (I am now entering 11th). Like your friend in the film, I only have the obsessions, not the compulsions. I have so many anxiety filled thoughts flooding my head every day. I also have cut myself before, many times. I haven't recently though and i think that is mostly because of my medication. Thank you.
- high school student
Story topics: CBT, self
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was twenty two years old and there are things we will never be able to communicate with those who seek a normal life.
I too think in images - I saw the Medusa and I’ve seen God. Tell John that his battle is worthwhile and that the gains he makes will keep helping him deal with real situations. I told the thoughts to F*CK OFF and I meant business; it was either them or me. Of course when you really believe in yourself anything can be achieved. I then did CBT to calm down.
Now I am scott free, no cares in the world, functioning, working on gaining a life that the seventeen years took from me. I have faced all my fears and guess what they disappeared!
- computer programmer
Story topics: self
You helped lend a “normal” face to an illness shrouded in darkness. I suffer too, and been on medication for about a year. I think it helps. Your movie made me feel so good that someone could express part of what I’ve tried to explain for years. Thank you!
- a man in Florida
Story topics: husband, trusting
I am married to a wonderful man who also suffers from this disease. I am so overwhelmed with emotion after watching your film.
I cannot tell you how I feel about my husband not being able to tell anyone but me. I have tried endlessly to get him to start trusting and speaking. I have had to keep it inside for 20 yrs. I never knew where to turn and I just kept hoping and praying someone would find the courage and strength to do what John has done. Finally, someone in the entertainment world has finally spoken up and let the world see what it is really like. Thank you!!!!!
- a wife
Story topics: schizophrenia, son
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.
- a mother
