Sophie Littlefield
@sophiebrain.bsky.social
Author, brain nerd, advocate. I support loved ones with schizophrenia. Check out my articles: https://linktr.ee/thesophiebrain
🚨 CALIFORNIA Gov. Newsom slashed funding for peer-run Warm Line by 75%. They provide what hospitals and cops can't: lifesaving peer support from someone who's been there. Tell Newsom our loved ones are NOT expendable:
📞 (916) 445-2841
#MentalHealthMatters #CaliforniaBudget #PeerSupport
📞 (916) 445-2841
#MentalHealthMatters #CaliforniaBudget #PeerSupport
August 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM
🚨 CALIFORNIA Gov. Newsom slashed funding for peer-run Warm Line by 75%. They provide what hospitals and cops can't: lifesaving peer support from someone who's been there. Tell Newsom our loved ones are NOT expendable:
📞 (916) 445-2841
#MentalHealthMatters #CaliforniaBudget #PeerSupport
📞 (916) 445-2841
#MentalHealthMatters #CaliforniaBudget #PeerSupport
WTF, RFK Jr? www.mediaite.com/media/tv/chr...
‘Right’: Chris Cuomo Nods Along as RFK Jr. Claims Schizophrenia Can Be Cured by ‘Dietary Changes’
NewsNation host Chris Cuomo nodded in agreement with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who claimed that not only is schizophrenia being cured, but that it is being done via di...
www.mediaite.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:52 PM
WTF, RFK Jr? www.mediaite.com/media/tv/chr...
3/3 The real story: Christine's heroic self-advocacy. Her research identified what doctors missed.
I'm sharing my letter as a template docs.google.com/document/d/1.... If you agree, let the @newyorker.com know!
#ResponsibleJournalism #SMI #schizophrenia #psychosis #MentalHealthAdvocacy
I'm sharing my letter as a template docs.google.com/document/d/1.... If you agree, let the @newyorker.com know!
#ResponsibleJournalism #SMI #schizophrenia #psychosis #MentalHealthAdvocacy
docs.google.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
3/3 The real story: Christine's heroic self-advocacy. Her research identified what doctors missed.
I'm sharing my letter as a template docs.google.com/document/d/1.... If you agree, let the @newyorker.com know!
#ResponsibleJournalism #SMI #schizophrenia #psychosis #MentalHealthAdvocacy
I'm sharing my letter as a template docs.google.com/document/d/1.... If you agree, let the @newyorker.com know!
#ResponsibleJournalism #SMI #schizophrenia #psychosis #MentalHealthAdvocacy
2/3 • Only 4% of autoimmune encephalitis cases-> "isolated psychosis" • Blood tests: 50% false positive rate • Zero peer voices about what recovery actually means
The article reinforces "sane/insane" binary. Mary's recovery described as "becoming sane" vs her "insane" identity.
The article reinforces "sane/insane" binary. Mary's recovery described as "becoming sane" vs her "insane" identity.
July 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
2/3 • Only 4% of autoimmune encephalitis cases-> "isolated psychosis" • Blood tests: 50% false positive rate • Zero peer voices about what recovery actually means
The article reinforces "sane/insane" binary. Mary's recovery described as "becoming sane" vs her "insane" identity.
The article reinforces "sane/insane" binary. Mary's recovery described as "becoming sane" vs her "insane" identity.
1/3 🧵 Just sent @newyorker.com a scathing letter...
"Mary Had Schizophrenia—Then Suddenly She Didn't," risks
convincing SMI families their loved ones need expensive testing for conditions affecting <5% of cases. This is dangerous health misinformation...
"Mary Had Schizophrenia—Then Suddenly She Didn't," risks
convincing SMI families their loved ones need expensive testing for conditions affecting <5% of cases. This is dangerous health misinformation...
July 30, 2025 at 4:58 PM
1/3 🧵 Just sent @newyorker.com a scathing letter...
"Mary Had Schizophrenia—Then Suddenly She Didn't," risks
convincing SMI families their loved ones need expensive testing for conditions affecting <5% of cases. This is dangerous health misinformation...
"Mary Had Schizophrenia—Then Suddenly She Didn't," risks
convincing SMI families their loved ones need expensive testing for conditions affecting <5% of cases. This is dangerous health misinformation...
3/3 Families like mine don't want loved ones disappeared into institutions. Give them housing, healthcare, and dignity.
This order offers fear-mongering and forced treatment that research shows doesn't work.
Do better. Our loved ones deserve better. #LivedExperience #EvidenceBasedCare
This order offers fear-mongering and forced treatment that research shows doesn't work.
Do better. Our loved ones deserve better. #LivedExperience #EvidenceBasedCare
July 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
3/3 Families like mine don't want loved ones disappeared into institutions. Give them housing, healthcare, and dignity.
This order offers fear-mongering and forced treatment that research shows doesn't work.
Do better. Our loved ones deserve better. #LivedExperience #EvidenceBasedCare
This order offers fear-mongering and forced treatment that research shows doesn't work.
Do better. Our loved ones deserve better. #LivedExperience #EvidenceBasedCare
2/3 Here's what they're not telling you:
- Only 25% of unhoused people have serious mental illness
- People with SMI are 14x more likely to be crime victims
- Housing First works - forced treatment doesn't
This is reinstitutionalization by another name
- Only 25% of unhoused people have serious mental illness
- People with SMI are 14x more likely to be crime victims
- Housing First works - forced treatment doesn't
This is reinstitutionalization by another name
July 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
2/3 Here's what they're not telling you:
- Only 25% of unhoused people have serious mental illness
- People with SMI are 14x more likely to be crime victims
- Housing First works - forced treatment doesn't
This is reinstitutionalization by another name
- Only 25% of unhoused people have serious mental illness
- People with SMI are 14x more likely to be crime victims
- Housing First works - forced treatment doesn't
This is reinstitutionalization by another name
1/3 As an SMI mom and carer, I've got something to say about the White House homelessness order, which says moving unhoused people to "long-term institutional settings" will "restore public order."
The truth: this isn't about helping people. It's about hiding them. #DisabilityJustice #Homelessness
The truth: this isn't about helping people. It's about hiding them. #DisabilityJustice #Homelessness
July 28, 2025 at 5:13 PM
1/3 As an SMI mom and carer, I've got something to say about the White House homelessness order, which says moving unhoused people to "long-term institutional settings" will "restore public order."
The truth: this isn't about helping people. It's about hiding them. #DisabilityJustice #Homelessness
The truth: this isn't about helping people. It's about hiding them. #DisabilityJustice #Homelessness
Great overview of patient rights and autonomy for people with schizophrenia. Dignity improves outcomes! #Schizophrenia #patientsrights schizophrenia.mental-health-community.com/living/know-...
Living With Schizophrenia: What to Know About Autonomy
We all have fundamental human rights related to our medical care
schizophrenia.mental-health-community.com
July 25, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Great overview of patient rights and autonomy for people with schizophrenia. Dignity improves outcomes! #Schizophrenia #patientsrights schizophrenia.mental-health-community.com/living/know-...
3/3 But 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆. The risk of involuntary or coerced surveillance is high. No matter how well-meaning, courts, families, or insurers must not use this or any monitoring tool without informed consent.
#BipolarDisorder #PrecisionMedicine #PatientRights
#BipolarDisorder #PrecisionMedicine #PatientRights
July 24, 2025 at 12:14 AM
3/3 But 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆. The risk of involuntary or coerced surveillance is high. No matter how well-meaning, courts, families, or insurers must not use this or any monitoring tool without informed consent.
#BipolarDisorder #PrecisionMedicine #PatientRights
#BipolarDisorder #PrecisionMedicine #PatientRights
2/3 ...which in turn could result in:
✅ 70% 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in emergency room visits in testing
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 via smartphone app
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 from repeated needle sticks
✅ 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 within narrow therapeutic window
✅ 70% 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in emergency room visits in testing
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 via smartphone app
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 from repeated needle sticks
✅ 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 within narrow therapeutic window
July 24, 2025 at 12:14 AM
2/3 ...which in turn could result in:
✅ 70% 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in emergency room visits in testing
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 via smartphone app
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 from repeated needle sticks
✅ 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 within narrow therapeutic window
✅ 70% 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in emergency room visits in testing
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 via smartphone app
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 from repeated needle sticks
✅ 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 within narrow therapeutic window
1/3 Researchers at USC just developed the world's first wearable lithium sensor that monitors medication levels through sweat. For people with bipolar disorder who take lithium, this could mean an end to mandatory blood draws...
July 24, 2025 at 12:14 AM
1/3 Researchers at USC just developed the world's first wearable lithium sensor that monitors medication levels through sweat. For people with bipolar disorder who take lithium, this could mean an end to mandatory blood draws...
4/4 ...sometimes the answer is "this provider sucks and isn't helping me." That's not resistance - that's excellent self-advocacy. Might be time for a new provider.
It bears repeating...coercion is NEVER the answer.
#MentalHealthSupport
It bears repeating...coercion is NEVER the answer.
#MentalHealthSupport
July 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
4/4 ...sometimes the answer is "this provider sucks and isn't helping me." That's not resistance - that's excellent self-advocacy. Might be time for a new provider.
It bears repeating...coercion is NEVER the answer.
#MentalHealthSupport
It bears repeating...coercion is NEVER the answer.
#MentalHealthSupport
3/4 What works:
- Timing that respects THEIR energy patterns
- Shared planning tools they actually want to use
- Flexibility without shame
- If they don't want to go, LISTEN to why because...
- Timing that respects THEIR energy patterns
- Shared planning tools they actually want to use
- Flexibility without shame
- If they don't want to go, LISTEN to why because...
July 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
3/4 What works:
- Timing that respects THEIR energy patterns
- Shared planning tools they actually want to use
- Flexibility without shame
- If they don't want to go, LISTEN to why because...
- Timing that respects THEIR energy patterns
- Shared planning tools they actually want to use
- Flexibility without shame
- If they don't want to go, LISTEN to why because...
2/4 "Missed appointments" usually aren't about resistance...but about appointments being too early, too stressful, too hard to remember, too patronizing, or flat-out unhelpful.
Collaborative care calendars work because they start with partnership, not pressure.
Collaborative care calendars work because they start with partnership, not pressure.
July 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
2/4 "Missed appointments" usually aren't about resistance...but about appointments being too early, too stressful, too hard to remember, too patronizing, or flat-out unhelpful.
Collaborative care calendars work because they start with partnership, not pressure.
Collaborative care calendars work because they start with partnership, not pressure.
🧵 1/4 Schizophrenia Tip #17: Collaborative Calendar-Keeping 🤝
Most people with schizophrenia want to maintain their health, but need support systems that respect their experience AND their brains.
#CollaborativeCare #Schizophrenia
Most people with schizophrenia want to maintain their health, but need support systems that respect their experience AND their brains.
#CollaborativeCare #Schizophrenia
July 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
🧵 1/4 Schizophrenia Tip #17: Collaborative Calendar-Keeping 🤝
Most people with schizophrenia want to maintain their health, but need support systems that respect their experience AND their brains.
#CollaborativeCare #Schizophrenia
Most people with schizophrenia want to maintain their health, but need support systems that respect their experience AND their brains.
#CollaborativeCare #Schizophrenia
Sacramento County's inviting comment on their Prop 1 plans.
30% of $ now goes to housing interventions (finally!) but vague "directing resources to those with the most significant challenges" needs clarification
#BehavioralHealth #Prop1 #PeerSupport
www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articl...
30% of $ now goes to housing interventions (finally!) but vague "directing resources to those with the most significant challenges" needs clarification
#BehavioralHealth #Prop1 #PeerSupport
www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articl...
Behavioral Health Services Enters a New Era
For the past two decades, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) has helped shape behavioral health programs in California through funding generated by a 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million. Pas...
www.saccounty.gov
July 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Sacramento County's inviting comment on their Prop 1 plans.
30% of $ now goes to housing interventions (finally!) but vague "directing resources to those with the most significant challenges" needs clarification
#BehavioralHealth #Prop1 #PeerSupport
www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articl...
30% of $ now goes to housing interventions (finally!) but vague "directing resources to those with the most significant challenges" needs clarification
#BehavioralHealth #Prop1 #PeerSupport
www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articl...
SZ Tip 16: Offer practical help 🧠
Executive function challenges in schizophrenia are REAL and neurological. Sometimes loved ones might struggle to organize pills or return calls.
Helpful: "I'm headed to the grocery—send me your list?"
Not helpful: "Stop making excuses"
#SchizophreniaSupport
Executive function challenges in schizophrenia are REAL and neurological. Sometimes loved ones might struggle to organize pills or return calls.
Helpful: "I'm headed to the grocery—send me your list?"
Not helpful: "Stop making excuses"
#SchizophreniaSupport
July 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM
SZ Tip 16: Offer practical help 🧠
Executive function challenges in schizophrenia are REAL and neurological. Sometimes loved ones might struggle to organize pills or return calls.
Helpful: "I'm headed to the grocery—send me your list?"
Not helpful: "Stop making excuses"
#SchizophreniaSupport
Executive function challenges in schizophrenia are REAL and neurological. Sometimes loved ones might struggle to organize pills or return calls.
Helpful: "I'm headed to the grocery—send me your list?"
Not helpful: "Stop making excuses"
#SchizophreniaSupport
3/3 This controversy exists because we don't have enough providers with lived experience who are willing to talk about it. Having a mental health condition can be an ASSET when seeking to help others. If you haven't been there, talk to someone who has before treating. #psychiatry #SSRI #withdrawal
July 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
3/3 This controversy exists because we don't have enough providers with lived experience who are willing to talk about it. Having a mental health condition can be an ASSET when seeking to help others. If you haven't been there, talk to someone who has before treating. #psychiatry #SSRI #withdrawal
2/3 The study didn't even measure "brain zaps" - if you've had 'em, you know how scary they can be, even if not "clinically significant."
"Below threshold for clinically significant" still means real suffering. Population averages don't tell the whole story.
"Below threshold for clinically significant" still means real suffering. Population averages don't tell the whole story.
July 11, 2025 at 7:01 PM
2/3 The study didn't even measure "brain zaps" - if you've had 'em, you know how scary they can be, even if not "clinically significant."
"Below threshold for clinically significant" still means real suffering. Population averages don't tell the whole story.
"Below threshold for clinically significant" still means real suffering. Population averages don't tell the whole story.
🧵 1/3 - That @jama.com study that says antidepressant withdrawal is "modest" on average? Folks are missing the point, IMHO.
What I learned taking SSRIs for years: Missing doses = RAPID severe depression that resolved in HOURS when I resumed. But when I did a ten-day taper ? Zero symptoms.
What I learned taking SSRIs for years: Missing doses = RAPID severe depression that resolved in HOURS when I resumed. But when I did a ten-day taper ? Zero symptoms.
July 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
🧵 1/3 - That @jama.com study that says antidepressant withdrawal is "modest" on average? Folks are missing the point, IMHO.
What I learned taking SSRIs for years: Missing doses = RAPID severe depression that resolved in HOURS when I resumed. But when I did a ten-day taper ? Zero symptoms.
What I learned taking SSRIs for years: Missing doses = RAPID severe depression that resolved in HOURS when I resumed. But when I did a ten-day taper ? Zero symptoms.
Mental health care access in San Francisco: distressingly, many people can only access care AFTER losing their jobs, homes, or freedom. We can...we MUST do better. 🏙️💙 #MentalHealthCrisis #SanFrancisco
www.sfpublicpress.org/sf-has-a-cha...
www.sfpublicpress.org/sf-has-a-cha...
SF Has a Chance to Reinvent Its Mental Health Care System - San Francisco Public Press
San Francisco, like all California counties, may have to re-imagine its behavioral health care system in response to state mandates.
www.sfpublicpress.org
July 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Mental health care access in San Francisco: distressingly, many people can only access care AFTER losing their jobs, homes, or freedom. We can...we MUST do better. 🏙️💙 #MentalHealthCrisis #SanFrancisco
www.sfpublicpress.org/sf-has-a-cha...
www.sfpublicpress.org/sf-has-a-cha...
It's Alcohol Awareness Week in the UK🇬🇧. The US message is "drink responsibly"... the UK has "no wrong door" policies: no one gets turned away when seeking services.
A real US alcohol awareness campaign would support everyone with a problem...full stop.
#DualDiagnosis #HealthcareEquity 🏳️🌈
A real US alcohol awareness campaign would support everyone with a problem...full stop.
#DualDiagnosis #HealthcareEquity 🏳️🌈
July 10, 2025 at 4:38 PM
It's Alcohol Awareness Week in the UK🇬🇧. The US message is "drink responsibly"... the UK has "no wrong door" policies: no one gets turned away when seeking services.
A real US alcohol awareness campaign would support everyone with a problem...full stop.
#DualDiagnosis #HealthcareEquity 🏳️🌈
A real US alcohol awareness campaign would support everyone with a problem...full stop.
#DualDiagnosis #HealthcareEquity 🏳️🌈
3/3 We must demand data protection standards that actually protect vulnerable populations. And NOTHING should be developed or marketed without lived experience voices at every step.
The research is promising. Let's just do this right.
#DigitalMentalHealth #DataPrivacy #SMIFamilies
The research is promising. Let's just do this right.
#DigitalMentalHealth #DataPrivacy #SMIFamilies
July 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
3/3 We must demand data protection standards that actually protect vulnerable populations. And NOTHING should be developed or marketed without lived experience voices at every step.
The research is promising. Let's just do this right.
#DigitalMentalHealth #DataPrivacy #SMIFamilies
The research is promising. Let's just do this right.
#DigitalMentalHealth #DataPrivacy #SMIFamilies
2/3 The GOOD: Early detection could prevent the kinds of crises that leave our loved ones traumatized and mistrustful of doctors and institutions.
The SCARY: Sharing 24/7 tracking data...What happens when this data gets hacked? Sold? Subpoenaed? 🔒
The SCARY: Sharing 24/7 tracking data...What happens when this data gets hacked? Sold? Subpoenaed? 🔒
July 9, 2025 at 4:06 PM
2/3 The GOOD: Early detection could prevent the kinds of crises that leave our loved ones traumatized and mistrustful of doctors and institutions.
The SCARY: Sharing 24/7 tracking data...What happens when this data gets hacked? Sold? Subpoenaed? 🔒
The SCARY: Sharing 24/7 tracking data...What happens when this data gets hacked? Sold? Subpoenaed? 🔒