About this episode
Send us a text Eric Smith shares his remarkable journey from child piano prodigy to mental health advocate after battling psychosis and addiction. His story reveals how finding the right medication after a decade of failed treatments transformed his life from hospitalization and FBI involvement to becoming a Texas Judicial Commissioner on Mental Health. • Displayed extraordinary musical talent from age three, studying under world-renowned pianists and performing with Grammy winners • Experienced early warning signs when grades declined in middle school, with a psychologist predicting future psychosis • Developed full-blown psychosis after getting sober, believing he had decoded assassination plots involving world leaders • Contacted the FBI about his delusions, leading to multiple meetings before his parents sought help from his former psychiatrist • Required three hospitalizations over several years before finding success with Clozapine after more than 10 years of failed medications • Experienced a profound moment of clarity two weeks after starting Clozapine when the "noise" in his mind quieted • Returned to education, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA through graduate school • Now serves as a commissioner with the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health and runs his own consulting business • Advocates for better access to effective treatments like Clozapine, which international guidelines recommend after two failed antipsychotics Visit www.ericwtsmith.com to learn more about Eric's consulting work or to contact him directly. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.