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Ashley Smith, Woman With Paranoid Schizophrenia, Helps Low-Income Individuals With Mental Illness (VIDEO)

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First Posted: 11/01/11 02:26 PM ET Updated: 11/01/11 07:29 PM ET

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Conquering Schizophrenia

Ashley Smith was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2007 after stealing a military truck and leading the police on a high speed chase -- a joy ride that landed her in jail.

"I heard voices. I saw images of people following me that scared me. I thought my life was in danger," Smith, 24, tells CNN.

After receiving treatment for her illness and learning to cope through medication and a strong support system, Smith decided to draw awareness to stereotypes by beginning her own nonprofit, "Embracing My Mind."

The organization, based in Atlanta, Ga., helps low-income and homeless people to seek help for their mental illnesses and works to begin community dialogues about mental health.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports more than 2.4 million Americas over 18 years of age have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

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Ashley Smith was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2007 after stealing a military truck and leading the police on a high speed chase -- a joy ride that landed her in jail. "I heard voices. ...
Ashley Smith was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2007 after stealing a military truck and leading the police on a high speed chase -- a joy ride that landed her in jail. "I heard voices. ...
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Sista Page
10 Fans
07:35 PM on 11/06/2011
Awesome, this story could not have come at a better time. My 21yr old was diagnosed with the same illness earlier this year. Stellar student who's world fell apart while away at college her 1st yr. She's not accepting it yet and our lives have forever changed so this story gives me hope. God Bless
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Norge
Rolf K. Artist, worker of metal, writer of poems
132 Fans
01:26 AM on 11/03/2011
Canada seems to have progressed a bit further than the number 1 super power and the toughest, badest, strongest bully in the world with over 1 million personel in its' millitary and 700 military bases around the world. One really badass superpower.

Thank you young lady for your work.
http://www.bcss.org
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kp1975
43 Fans
05:26 PM on 11/01/2011
It is truly inspiring to see someone with such a debilitating mental illness doing something so productive. It is proof that mental illness sufferers do not have to be victims of their illness. Bless this girl!! May she keep up the good work!!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
karen lyons kalmenson
i poem/paint, sometimes, i ain't
1126 Fans
04:53 PM on 11/01/2011
a true hero and an inspiration ♥
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Thera Marshall
40 Fans
02:54 PM on 11/01/2011
Amazing!
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