Case Study: Ashley Smith
Altruistic and Ambitious Advocate
In this blog I’m going to feature Case Studies of peers living in recovery who are role models for forging our own path in life and succeeding at a career. Our first Case Study will be in 3 parts to cover the full story.
In 2008 Author Advocate Ashley Smith started her anonymous Overcoming Schizophrenia blog. Since then she’s used her real name to blog and publish 7 books. I met her at a film screening for a video on recovery that she was featured in.
Ashley studied business in college before her breakdown. Altruistic while ambitious she’s not afraid to share her story to give peers a shot of confidence to pursue our own goals unabashedly.
I’m taken in by her choice of the purple outfit for the cover of her new book. Purple is a color that symbolizes royalty and spirituality. How fitting for a peer whose devotion to Spirit and using affirmations has helped her get ahead.
Part One:
It’s been 17 years since you first clicked publish on your first blog entry. What exactly enabled you not to quit and keep going?
My blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, started as an online diary about my diagnosis and to recall my experiences as an advocate. Now I blog for others wholeheartedly. I aim to be a beacon of hope and offer a sense of direction and motivation to keep pressing onward.
However, it’s hard to be consistent with blogging for me but I’ve challenged myself this year (2025) to write one blog article each week. I want to continue the conversation on ways to trump the stigma of mental illness. Further assisting peers and caregivers on their paths to wellness. I’ve grown a lot in my recovery and want to share my life story. Leading others to understand and believe that a fulfilling life in recovery is possible.
What can you tell peers who have a dream or goal of their own just starting out?
Recovery is a lifestyle and your goals are attainable. Remember to take small steps until you gain momentum and are comfortable increasing your progress. Aim to develop a routine to maintain balance between self-care and your responsibilities. Self-care is essential to managing ourselves. To be our best and well to tackle work and goals full force.
Talk about the role that support plays in our lives—either through our family, friends, treatment providers, or a chosen family or others we interact with.
Having a support system is vital to staying committed to my wellbeing. My family plays significant role in my wellness. They’ve been my foundation of strength. They keep me accountable and give me the support I need to keep pressing forward.
I’ve worked with the same treatment team; my doctor for over 12 years and my therapist for over eight years. They understand my needs and are dependable during crisis.
I have a lot of peer support too. Participating in organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the CURESZ Foundation. NAMI allows me to partake in different leadership roles. I’ve facilitated workshops and support groups.
I encourage you to get involved in a group that you can grow with. A place outside of the home but feels like home. This type of support is challenging to find but consider your church, 12 step support groups, local NAMI affiliate, and organizations where you might volunteer to gain assistance and someone to confide in. Everybody needs support to survive and thrive in life.
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