Schizophrenic and Changing the World (Cecilia's Incredible Journey) 

The work Cecilia is doing with Students with Psychosis is groundbreaking and lifesaving. Anybody who would like to support this organization can contribute at bit.ly/StudentsWithPsychosis . Every donation will go directly to Students with Psychosis to widen their reach and allow them to continue to provide this pivotal resource to so many. I was blown away by witnessing their work first-hand and am so proud to call Cecilia a friend.

She looks 10 years younger. So much more refreshed and happier. You can see she’s so much more herself. So happy to see this update!

This made me cry. My husband, a veteran, victim of abuse, struggled with psychosis. He was so paranoid he'd never get help. He'd never open up to anyone, and even didn't share everything with me. The song the guy sang had me in tears. I know my kids dad struggled in sleep and in life. I tried to comfort him and give him all of my love, but he couldn't stay away from the liquor which helped him escape. He died with no help in 2020. They often go undiagnosed with no one they can open up to, feeling alone. Dying alone. Cecilia, you love are sent straight from heaven. God's angel down here on mission. You are so intelligent and self aware. I send you my light as you keep shining yours. Thank you for not giving up on yourself. It warms me to see the community you guys have built ♡

It disturbs me that her mental health team tried to make out her wanting to follow her dreams was part of a delusion. I think there is an assumption by the medical community that because people with psychosis have altered perception in one area of their thoughts they lack capacity for rational decision in other areas of their lives. So I'm glad to hear both Cecilia and Students with Psychosis are both flourishing, they both very much deserve to.

This is so crazy! I would’ve never recognized her if you didn’t playback that video from a few years ago. It’s so wonderful to see her in such a positive state!

I have Schizaffective Disorder. Both Cecilia and SBSK have been instrumental in me seeking help and recognising that I’m no less human and no less valid a member of society than anyone around me. I can not thank you all enough. I love you for everything you do, not just for me but for the countless millions out there that see your videos 💙

She's doing so well. I didn't realise this was the same woman at first.

So happy to see how far Cecilia has come since the first video with her.

as some who has schizophrenia and autism this is overwhelming inspiring especially sense i’m going to major in physics it’s just a little nudge like hey you can do it so thank you

She is so kind and gentle. She is perfect to get this message out and normalize this.

As someone who works in the mental health field, I can concur that there is still a LOT of stigma around schizophrenia. I’ve worked with clients who have hid their symptoms from me for years, which I both understood while making me extremely sad for them. From what I’ve learned, people can become incredibly lonely with that disorder. We need to make space for everyone in society who wants to be part of it.

Holy crap.. When they were talking about her having been previously interviewed for the channel before, i WOULD NOT of guessed which one it was.. She both looks and comes across entirely differently! Amazing what a difference the right treatment regime and lifestyle habits can make.. I work in mental health and i see people who've either given up on life entirely, or just can't see how something as simple as changing our lifestyle habits could be so effective in enabling us to lead the lives we want to lead. Cecilia, you're an inspiration! I really hope you can help others struggling with Scitzophrenia see that they don't just have to resign themselves to a disability check and hiding themselves away from the rest of society. We all have something we can contribute, no matter what stuggles we face; and it seems Cecilia is living proof of that!

That song.. instant tears. He’s phenomenally talented. And Cecelia’s growth is amazing to see, from a haunted young person to someone so much more engaged and present. This whole video just filled me with contentment. I have experienced psychotic features with my depression and no one really understands. They see me as “too smart and put together” to experience extreme mental illness.

I remember Cecilia’s TED talk and how it really opened my eyes about the impact of schizophrenia on a young woman not at all unlike myself. I’m so proud of the huge steps she’s made in her life!!

The fact the 1 man wasn’t diagnosed till he was 35 breaks my heart and his homelessness. People deserve love and understanding and I feel a lot of people with this illness don’t get that and it’s so wrong. I’m so happy these people have found each other to lean on one another. You are doing amazing things

Jesus Christ, she's an entirely different person, I wouldn't have guessed who she was if you didn't mention it. Wow, I have no words for this, no words to describe the admiration I have for her, for fighting so fiercely and coming this far. She's a warrior and here's hoping she conquers every battle from here on out!

Firstly, NOW FREAKIN WAY that is Cecilia. Now way at all. She is a different person. Much happier, full of life, voice tone... A non-impromptu interview helps a lot. I can’t believe it. I am so, so happy for your Cecelia

Cecilia is just so beautiful and I don't mean just a physical beauty, which she obviously is - but she radiates something way more vibrant and gorgeous, on the inside. I hope she lives her life happily and peacefully like she truly deserves.

Im a mental health worker from England 🇬🇧, ive got to say in a world that seems to be so hurtful and hateful sometimes, this channel is amazing and what social media should be about , what an amazing experience it is to watch these videos, much much love from across the pond !

Hello dearest Cecilia. I am so happy to see you kicking so much butt and it was an absolute joy to see you in Austin in person. I enjoy our phone calls so much and I'm so proud of you for doing this amazing video. And to you Mr Chris, please continue doing the Fantastic work that you do because you are changing lives good sir. I love you both and hope y'all are well. 💖👍💚

she’s come such a long way!! what an incredible person❤️❤️

We definitely need more leaders like Cecilia in this world. Imagine what it would be like to have people in these positions who are kind and understanding.

I am so very happy to see how far she has come. She looks so full of life and happiness.

Wow shes making eye contact and looks much happier and comfortable.

she is glowing! i’m so happy she is healthier!!

Oh man, I love Cecilia so much. What an incredible woman she continues to be. ❤️

I can’t express how proud I am of her. She’s glowing, she seems more comfortable in the world. I’m so, so proud. You can truly see how much she’s grown 💖💖💖

I saw her first video shortly after it aired and felt so bad for her, she seemed so sweet and like she was really struggling. It’s so good to see how much more present she is. I’m glad she’s found the proper help and is on a better path. Good for helping herself so she could help others💜

Cecilia really helped me when I was first experiencing psychosis. I was also a student. Thank you, Cecilia!

Wow! What a powerful song he sang! I could feel so much of him coming through. 😭 I'm so proud of Cecilia!!!! She's amazing! They all are! Living with these symptoms all day, everyday, for some and functioning and thriving! Brings hope to even those of us who may deal with depression, anxiety or other issues, that you CAN excel!

Cecilia seems like she’s doing so well. I am so happy for her.

I don't know if Cecilia will ever watch this or read these comments, but she is such an inspiration and such a kind soul. I'm glad we got the chance to listen to her and see her progress. We are all so glad you're here, Cecilia!

It's so heartwarming to see how different things are for Cecilia 5 years later. I always resonated with her despite me not having schizophrenia, I just relate to the way she spoke about and dealt with it. I want the best for her and I'm just glad SBSK are giving us the chance to check in on her. 💖

Watching this brought tears to my eyes. It is beautiful and I am just repeating "wow" after "wow" as the video goes on because it shows the resiliency and absolute power a human being has in changing the world. Cecilia, I hope you know you are beyond extraordinary and I am blown away by the many lives you have positively impacted and will continue to impact. Not only did you fight for yourself, but you saw that something in this world had to change and you did it. YOU DID IT! Congratulations on everything you have accomplished and I thank God for people like you who never give up!! God bless.

It made me so happy hearing this update from Cecilia! I remember her from her TED talk as well as her first interview on this channel, and I was just as in awe of her then as I am now. Studying astrophysics, living with schizophrenia and autism in a neurotypical world, advocating for others and yourself in the face of stigma and misunderstanding - all of these are hard enough on their own, and she is out here doing all three. I'm so glad to see it.

I've been following Cecilia on instagram since the first video came out and im so glad she was in the show again!! She's an amazing human being and her story and honesty have influenced so many, it's great that she's back

This channel is a beacon of light! It's a window into parts of reality many people don't know about and won't recognize. I so hope it brings more acceptance. Being supportive and kind is what it's all about. Thank you!

Oh Cecilia! Watching her Ted Talk really helped me when my Son was diagnosed. She looks incredible!! ❤

WOW. Cecilia is so eloquent with words and has such a nice speaking voice, among all her other amazing qualities. It's both relaxing and informative listening to her talk about something that needs the advocacy she provides and I'm so thankful that someone like her was able to find this wonderful goal and live so purposefully. She seems in such a good place and she is able to communicate herself so well and that shows so much strength to me. Everyone in this video is so brave to share and my heart feels full knowing people who need it are continuing to find community and lifelong connections. So glad to see this

I’m SO HAPPY for Cecilia….. THANK YOU CHRIS!!! This channel is helping lots of ppl and families!!!!

Cecilia's journey has been an amazing example of how helping others can help YOU grow and learn far beyond what you thought you could achieve! They are a true inspiration, seeing their journey and following along has been so empowering for countless people

A lot of great music comes from people with mental health struggles. I’ve been in and out of mental health programs in my life (my last being the OCD residential treatment center at McLean hospital). There was so many good guitar players there. Music and the arts can be so helpful in healing.

that song is truly AMAZING! I felt every bit of it. i want to shout out my gratitude and appreciation to the artist. you're so real.

I'm so proud of how far she has come. I didn't recognize that it was the same person. Oh man what hope this has given.

I love Cecelia’s & her Boston cohorts! What a wonderful NPO that is filling a much needed vacancy. Helping others from within is gold. It’s similar to military vets helping other military vets.

Cecilia is so brave to pursue such a big project. She is eloquent, bright and lovely. To encourage struggling, challenged, sometimes bewildered souls by openly sharing her story, allows others to find in her- a fellow soldier. A contemporary that offers hope through community. Cecilia, you are my hero of the day! Thank you. ❤️

No vi la anterior entrevista aún pero veo el gran avance que has tenido y me alegra mucho. Me alegra tu aceptación y que puedas ser tú libremente. Eso quita un gran peso de encima problemas añadidos de ansiedad, depresión, etc... Y me alegro mucho por tu proyecto que ayuda a tanta gente. Mi hijo es autista+ tdah y como decia Shamus sólo alguien que lo vive puede entenderte realmente aunque quieran ayudar o ser comprensivos asi que cuando encuentras a alguien que lo ha vivido yo lo llamo "hablar el mismo idioma" y es genial poder compartir de verdad. Ojalá Daniel, el otro chico al que entrevistaste 2 veces, pudiera ponerse en contacto con ellos para tener mas red de apoyo. Y me ha entristecido el hombre que tocó la guitarra ya que por culpa de no tener diagnóstico y no poder contar con apoyo tuvo que tener una vida tan dura pero me ha emocionado saber que ya encontró su comunidad para poder ser feliz. Realmente tiene mucho talento con su guitarra y su voz. Deberia potenciarlo, es un gran artista!. Enhorabuena a todos y cada uno de los miembros de esa comunidad porque hacen una labor increíble para ellos mismos y para todas las demás personas que lo van formando poco a poco. Espero sigan con tanto éxito y ayude a otras personas cuánto antes y no tengan que sufrir miedo, incomprensión, soledad, malos hábitos, malos tratos hacia ellos mismos. Mucho ánimo en vuestra lucha! 🥰🥰 Edito: Cecilia, vi tu charla en Ted y es increíble pero muy ilustrativa. No se si sabes lo que es la parálisis del sueño pero me ha venido a la mente cuando describiste la esquizofrenia. Yo he sufrido parálisis del sueño varias veces (surge por estrés extremo normalmente) y es horrible, no se lo deseo a nadie. No imagino sufrir eso todos los dias todo el tiempo. Sois luchadores natos, os admiro.

I always _love_ watching videos with Cecilia! She's so strong and kind and I love how open and honest she is with her struggles

That guy's song was amazing! I'd love to see a video about him and his creations. 10/10 and I love this whole video so much! Cecilia is a constant source of reassurance for me and the issues I struggle with personally. This is a beacon of hope

This was such a wonderful interview! So happy to witness the evolution, growth and success that Cecelia has had! What a journey. I am deeply moved that she has been such a catalyst for normalizing this diagnosis and for others with the same diagnosis to find a community of peers and support! SO proud of you Cecelia! I came here to look for a video to share with a client of mine who has a grandson with schizophenia. I have been following all of the videos you share and was just revisiting to pick one to share with my client. I am beyond thrilled that this new video was here. I feel this is a very powerful and educational video and I am very excited to share it with my 87yr old client to help her understand what her grandson is experiencing. I really hope she will share it with him as well!!! Thank you Chris, I just love this channel.

I’m so glad I stumbled across these videos. Cecilia does an excellent job of explaining her experience with schizophrenia both with symptoms and asymptomatic.

Even as someone who has a masters in Art Therapy and have worked close with those who have schizophrenic experiences etc, this was still very enlightening and helpful. Thank you! So proud that you've been able to accomplish your dreams!

This video made me so unbelievably happy. Cecilia is a literal angel and the song was beautiful. And Cece has such a powerful voice it would be amazing to see her voice acting! Incredibly important work that I cannot ever thank all of them enough for.

I am so, so proud of Cecelia!! I remember the 2017 interview and it was almost painful to watch because she seemed sooo ill at ease, so embarrassed even. Leaps and bounds! I can't even imagine all of the people she and SWP are going to help! And a TED Talk too?! Cecelia, you are freakin' awesome girl!! 👏👏👏 Now I'm off to search for her TED Talk! edit: And the guy (I'm sorry I missed his name) who sang the song he wrote. That's a lot of pain he's purging! Great song, great job! 💙

I have been a social worker for ten years now and have worked with many people live with this diagnosis. Just so cool to see this and glad you are helping to educate people.

she looks healthy and happy.

Cecilia looks fantastic! She sounds more focused and much more confident about herself. And I have to say I luv her hair and makeup 😊. I'm so happy she no longer has to deal with hallucinations 24/7 and I'm so happy she's been able to find a treatment plan that works for her. I'm so proud of her and I wish her all the happiness in the world! And I wish her the very best in her continued journey. Much luv and respect, Cecilia! You are a true inspiration to us all! ❤️

Keep on going with the great work you got this Cecelia

First, I love how healthy she looks!! I love her ability to express herself and to concentrate now! Secondly, as a therapist to children on the spectrum, it breaks my heart to hear that she becomes almost reclusive when her stimming increases. Stim your heart out, sweet lady!! It is a beautiful physical expression of enjoyment and processing your emotions and environment.

WOW!! She has made leaps and bounds of progress! I remember watching the first video with her when it came out and to see how far she has come is just so beautiful. If these videos don't show you that there is still love in the world and that there is hope, I don't know what will.

Oh my god!!!! What an inspiration! This woman is beautiful, inside and out. I’m so happy to see the improvements she has made. She’s a living testament to the changes we can all make in our lives!

Didn't expect to see this video on RU-vid tonight. But, to be honest, I've been genuinely looking forward to it all this time. Glad to see Cecilia back. Thank you so much for sharing, Chris!

Wow, this video impacted me deeply (and judging from the other comments, I'm not alone). Cecilia - you are an amazing person, and this random internet stranger is incredibly proud of both how far you've come personally and the amazing work you're doing for others in the psychosis community. Being neurodivergent as well adds an extra layer of visibility for people living with brains that don't fit society's mold and I love that you've reached a point where you can confidently say it's their problem not yours if they don't accept you. There were points in the video that literally brought me to the brink of tears (and btw I would love to listen to an album of Kev's music about his experiences, because he's got talent!) and I wish there were a non-profit like this near me that I could link up with. I'm also autistic (and ADHD) with a bipolar diagnosis among others (C-PTSD, anxiety, etc) and sometimes the future looks... bleak. Thank you for reminding me that we are all valuable as human beings and that there are people who care. Keep rocking on!

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Cecilia. It’s not easy being open and vulnerable. Love your follow up story and seeing how you’ve progressed. I know this is so uplifting and encouraging for so many ❤

Cecilia is a remarkable young woman. Her resolute and passion for helping the psychosis community and commitment to changing the societal perception of sufferers is invaluable. Thank you for the video.

What and incredible human! She's so beautiful inside and out. She's truly changing the world! ❤

She's making a lot more eye contact, and she's more outgoing.

Heya old friend!! Huge props to you and being an unreal advocate for so many people! Youre incredible 😁🤜🤛😀

She's beautiful and such an intelligent person.

The minute I saw the title of this video, I knew it was about THAT girl! She's come so far, she's doing a wonderful work helping people and educating as well about mental illness! I'm so very happy witnessing this! Thank you, beautiful Cecilia!!!

I believe that things happen for a reason, and me finding these videos is a blessing. She reminds me a lot of my daughter, who is only 13. I am grateful of the information that we have today to help not only the child through this experience but for the parents as well. Sometimes I feel helpless when my daughter is struggling, but having the ability to watch shows like these or joining parent groups with other moms helps a lot. For us this is genetic, I have multiple family members who have bipolar and schizophrenia.

Cecilia has bright eyes and a beautiful smile!

She seems so much healthier and happier now in this video I'm very happy for her. I myself I do not have schizophrenia but I do have high functioning autism and I remember she mentioned she has autism as well so from that perspective I know the struggles that autism can bring so I'm definitely very happy for her that she seems to be doing much better. Anyways i hope she continues to do well and maybe if we are lucky enough she will continue to keep us updated on herself and how well she continues to be becoming it's definitely helpful i believe for others to see people in similar situations doing well and continuing to do well it helps you see that you can do well also.🙂👍✌

She’s so much more alive now! And obviously happier. Good for her!! Wonderful to see! She gives eye contact now and she has less hallucinations and appears to have a fulfilling life! Congratulations young lady!! You have come a long and wonderful way! It is wonderful to see and hear about!! Again congratulations!! Keep at it!!!

i really was touch by the first interview in 2017. and it is so good to see Cecillia again and see that you are doing well!

Cecilia! Wow I remember your first interview! you made me subscribe to this channel. I love your hair and makeup girl :) thank you for updating us on your journey. And I love the musician. His song was so good!

seeing who shes become is absolutely beautiful I hope it gives hope

I’m so happy to see how far Cecilia has come, and that she wants to help others that have schizophrenia and psychosis! There is a serious stigma around those who have psychosis and they shouldn’t be looked at as crazy. What they have is abnormal but that doesn’t make their value any less as a human being. They still deserve help and treatment and support from others.

i love love love Cecilia ❤️ their the first person who educated me on schizophrenia and i love to see how far they’ve come. such a super hero !

She gives me so much hope. It's awesome to see her have progressed and grown since the last interview. Cecilia you rock!

Thank you for also for all the other participants of that meet-up to be so candid and honest with their experiences. They are all incredible humans with beautiful souls. That song was incredible in putting an experience into words that most people will struggle to fully comprehend. I wish everyone well on their journey. Upwards and onwards as I like to say.

Cecilia’s first interview, although they were struggling so much, is one of my favorite videos. They really open so many doors that people want to keep closed and bring them to light in such an eloquent way. And I’m so glad to see them doing so much better and impacting peoples lives. It’s amazing. I’ve always thought Cecilia was insanely beautiful and they look great here too 🥹♥️

What a beautiful woman!, and it’s so encouraging to hear that with the correct support things have improved so much, Cecilia thank you very much for sharing your story 🙂

Her interview the first time was my FAVORITE interview about mental illness that I have EVER seen. My uncle has schizophrenia and he raised me. She articulated so well and was so clear and concise. I loved it! I’m looking forward to watching this one as well.

Wow Cacilia looks amazing! She's come a long way. She's so beautiful and very pretty 😍 💕

This is wonderful. She is wonderful🥰

My uncle was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in the 70s, and he was never provided with proper treatmrnt. He passed away recently, after struggling a lot in the past few years. Seeing someone with a similar condition, but being given proper support is very emotional for me. I love you, uncle, and I miss having great conversations with you years ago.

My heart feels so full and liberated hearing about SWP and the idea of destigmatizing psychosis. How would anybody kniw about it and become supportive of people with psychosis without the advocacy because it has been in the dark and stigmatized for so long. What incredible wonderful work Cecelia is doing and this organization. Same goes to this channel. My heart always feels so full of love watching these videos, and usually leaves me in tears. 💙💙💙💙

I don't know why I am fascinated with Cecilia's story. To the best of my knowledge, I am not schizophrenic but I stumbled on her original video and listened intently. I was thinking at the time that she was extremely brave to share on the internet her struggles but getting her account of events opened a window in understanding... albeit limited understanding. Now, she's an astrophysicist, STILL advocating the struggles of mental illnesses and eloquent while at it. Just wow! Oh and Cecilia... Don't worry about your look. IMHO, very pretty girl, inside and out.

I have tried to remember the name of the first video for months now 😢 I finally remembered and found you and her 🎉❤

I really felt for this girl back in the first video and was rooting for her. Very happy she has been finding her purpose and feeling a bit better. Sending her much love. ❤

I didn't recognize her at all. Such a progress! Those people are so nice and well spoken, I would never thought they have mental problems. A man from my small home town suffered schizophrenia and it was wild. He could remember details about every person from a town happened years or decades ago. He would chase and follow people. Besides that he was talking gibberish and easily aggravated.

I wish Cecelia all the best. She's obviously an extremely intelligent woman and I have such respect for her for her journey with mental illness and desire to educate others. Mental illness can be extremely isolating and I'm thankful she has found a good support system.

This is probably the most proud I have been of someone on the SBSK channel 😭 I remember very vividly the first interview with Cecilia and her growth is so beautiful and amazing to see!

She''s come a long way. It's difficult to describe how impressive her growth has been.

Wow Cecilia - first of all you have a beautiful voice and second- I don't even know you but I am so proud of you. I hope that you can keep on conquering, accepting, supporting and resting when you need to. You are truly amazing.

Cecilia, you are a very brave person. i'd seen the 2017 video and i didn't recognise you and i never would've. you've achieved so much in this time and i'm incredibly proud of you. thank you, Cecilia. and thank you Chris for filming and allowing all this to be heard.

I remember that video of Cecilia, and the first impression I got was that she was almost robotic and outside of her real self. To see this update is astonishing! Cecilia has completely changed for the better, not just in her looks but her as a person who gives off this beautiful aura about herself. I am so happy for her and the foundation she started! This is just amazing to see! She's so soft-spoken that it just makes you want to listen to her speak. She is so right when she said most people think of schizophrenia and psychosis as an individual thing and not as a community. I don't have schizophrenia or psychosis but I do deal with anxiety and isolation, but I can still understand what she's talking about. It's really disappointing how people with schizophrenia and psychosis are perceived, like they're defective. These are human beings and should be treated as such. I pray that all schizophrenia and psychosis as well as other mental health related issues, will one day be accepted the same as we think about anxiety or depression. 💜

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences!! Psychosis support in higher education is a beautiful cause! For many folks, this is when they first live on their own and first develop symptoms. Your intervention can and will help many people.

That guy is an excellent singer and guitarist so talented