Euryeth’s Journey: Shadows and Light
My journey has never been simple, nor has it always been bright. From a young age, I saw shadows no one else could, haunting figures I once thought were jinn. These visions pulled me into an endless search for understanding. I devoured knowledge—science, mysticism, philosophy—seeking answers, but the truth remained elusive.
In college, everything shifted. By my second year, reality and delusion began to blur. Psychosis crept in like a storm, convincing me I was a god. That belief wasn’t arrogance but a cruel trick of schizophrenia. My first hospitalization shattered me, severing ties with the social world and those I loved. Friends couldn’t understand the world I fought—a world that didn’t exist to them but felt vividly real to me.
To me, my psychosis was more than an illness; it was a form of vampirism. It drained my strength but granted me the ability to see beyond the veil of normal life. That vision came at a cost. Those closest to me bore the weight of my episodes—their pain an echo of the chaos within me. Desperate for control, I moved cities, sealing fragments of my perceived malevolence. In Mohammedia, I spent three days caught in a tempest of delusion, trying to contain what I couldn’t fully understand, I was lucky be found by my family, and i got back to Fez.
Art became my refuge. Returning to my studies, I completed a diploma in graphic design and later pursued a master’s in digital marketing. Yet the shadows never left. Another episode followed, this time darker—a manifestation of necromancy. The world’s pain became my own, and the weight of global conflicts turned me into an empathic storm. My rage hurt those dearest to me once more.
Acceptance has been my salvation. I am not a superhero. My battles with medication leave me drained, my mind often chaotic. But I am here, still standing. The shadows I once feared are now a part of me. They’ve taught me to see the world differently, to embrace both my vulnerabilities and my strength.
This is my story—one of light and dark, weakness and resilience. It’s not about perfection but about survival, growth, and the relentless pursuit of understanding who I truly am.

The challenges of schizophrenia.

1. Psychological Impact
* Reality Dissociation: Living in two worlds—one perceived through psychosis—creates constant confusion and self-doubt.
* Mental Exhaustion: Episodes of delusion and heightened sensory experiences drain emotional and cognitive energy.
* Self-Doubt and Fear: Questioning reality and your perceptions can lead to a deep internal conflict and anxiety.
2. Social Challenges
* Strained Relationships: Friends and family may struggle to understand or cope with behaviors triggered by the condition, leading to isolation.
* Stigma: Societal misconceptions about schizophrenia often result in alienation or judgment, making it harder to seek help.
* Loneliness: Without understanding and support, individuals may feel compelled to withdraw from their communities.
3. Treatment Barriers
* Medication Side Effects: While essential, antipsychotic drugs often cause fatigue, lack of focus, and other debilitating side effects.
* Lack of Specialized Support: Inadequate access to skilled professionals can delay progress in managing the condition.
* Ongoing Struggle: Accepting the condition as a lifelong challenge requires resilience, and setbacks can feel overwhelming.
4. The Hidden Positives
* Unique Insight: Schizophrenia often brings an unconventional view of reality, fueling creativity and deep reflection.
* Strength in Vulnerability: The daily fight to maintain balance develops emotional resilience and adaptability.

* What do you think society can do to better support individuals with schizophrenia?
* Can creativity and art be a way to channel the struggles of mental illness into something healing?
* How can we challenge stigma and create understanding?