Eric Dias: Hope, Recovery, and Finding Your Voice with Schizoaffective Disorder

Send us Fan Mail Send us a text Eric Diaz shares his journey of living with schizoaffective disorder and becoming an advocate for those with serious mental illness. Through finding the right medication, supportive communities, and creative outlets, Eric transformed from someone who couldn't leave his house to a published author helping others navigate similar challenges. • Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as a teenager but initially lacked insight into his condition • Participated in a clinical trial at Emory University that was crucial for starting treatment • Struggled with significant medication side effects before finding an effective treatment in 2011 • Went from making fries at Wendy's to getting his GED and attending college • Became a Certified Peer Specialist to help others with mental health conditions • Recently published his novel "I Got Sober For This" exploring themes of mental illness • Now works as an employment specialist helping others with brain disorders find work • Credits stable housing, family support, and faith community as vital to his recovery • Emphasizes the importance of both medical treatment and social support systems • Currently focusing on writing and will be taking a screenwriting workshop Keep hope, keep going, and don't give up.