The Joyful Schizophrenic: Creating Safe Space in Unsafe Moments

Joy is only one small facet of the human experience. That said, the experience of joy can be profound—infusing us with energy, laughter, and a heightened sense of connection. For me, joy often comes from helping others feel heard, from creating a space where people can relax and express themselves as fully as they’re comfortable. That, to me, is what peer support is all about.

When we create space like that, people often hear themselves more clearly. They may discover valuable insights or even find the motivation to make meaningful changes in their lives. But peer support isn’t always joyful. As a friend to someone living with severe depression, the space I hold is often filled with nothing but their pain—mental, physical, and spiritual. They tell me they can’t go on, that this is the worst they’ve ever felt. I stay quiet and present. They say, “Are you there?” and I answer, “I’m listening.”

Sometimes they ask for advice or encouragement, even if they aren’t quite ready to receive it. They’re not looking for my story—they just need someone to witness theirs. When they said, “Please don’t call 911 on me,” I answered, “I can’t. I don’t know your address.” They replied, “They can trace me from my phone number,” and I reassured them that I wouldn’t call—that’s not what The Friendship Squad is about. It’s a program I created to build friendship among strangers, not to monitor or police one another.

Each conversation follows a familiar rhythm—about how bad they feel, or how it’s slightly better, or slightly worse. I’m not the only one supporting them; Emeline is, too. We check in with each other regularly—about how they’re doing, and how we are doing. We pray for them. We stay present. Walking alongside someone in this way is infinitely more bearable—and more effective—when done in partnership. Even Jesus sent his apostles out two by two.

While their suffering doesn’t bring me joy, what does is this quiet conviction that we’re making a difference—that they feel heard, that they know there are good people in the world, and that they are not alone.