Giezi Mendoza

One Family’s Journey from Fear to Hope

When someone very close to you is diagnosed with schizophrenia, it can feel as though your whole world has been turned upside down. For our family, it was a devastating and frightening time. We had so many questions, so many fears, and very little understanding of what the future might look like.

But we came together. We supported one another, learned as much as we could, and began to understand that a diagnosis does not have to define a person’s life. Through greater awareness, research, understanding and access to the right treatment and support, there can be hope beyond the diagnosis.

Today, my loved one is receiving treatment and support and is living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Seeing that journey has shown me just how important mental health awareness is — and why we must continue to break the stigma, encourage people to seek help, and make sure that no one feels alone in their darkest moments.

This is why causes that support mental health mean so much to me. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every pound raised and every effort to spread awareness can make a difference. ❤️