Stories of Hope: An Interview with RaJon Price
This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked performing artist RaJon Price about his journey and recent activities. Here’s our interview:
DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment?
RP: I first started becoming aware of concerns related to my mental health in 2020 after I moved to Colorado to try to get on my feet and build a foundation for myself. I was living in a one-bedroom apartment with a couple of people that were friends with my oldest brother. The term that was used when I first sought treatment was “psychosis.” I began losing my grip on reality and I was lashing out not realizing how my behavior had changed.
DS: What was the turning point that led you to decide to seek help?
RP: The turning point that led me to seek help was after I had to move out of the apartment I previously mentioned because of the mental health issues I was having. Roaming around the streets of Colorado with nowhere to go, I fell asleep outside of a building and a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was alright. I told him I needed help and he directed me to the nearest hospital. There I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
DS: What has your treatment consisted of, and what have you found that has worked well for you?
RP: My treatment started with two medications. I had been admitted to a behavioral health center where I stayed for two weeks. I eventually stopped taking these medications because of the way they were making me feel. Next I tried a few other medications. I eventually stopped taking those medications as well, for the same reason, in addition to having a hard time coping with the experience and being in denial.
I ended up in another psych unit after the first because I was suicidal and was extremely depressed. At the beginning of 2021, I moved to Arizona to once again attempt to get on my feet. I spent the year working and rebuilding until I got my own studio apartment. I ended up in another behavioral health facility soon after.
At the beginning of 2022, I purchased and began to read daily a one-year Bible, got back into working out, meditating, and started making better life choices. At this point, I gave medication another try. I am now taking two medications with which I believe I’ve had the best results. With these medications, along with the lifestyle changes, I’ve noticed growth.
Experiential therapy, coping skills, and fitness have helped me tremendously as well as having a support system which has mainly just been my oldest brother.
DS: How are things going for you now? What challenges are you still facing? What have you learned that has helped you stay positive and healthy?
RP: Better than ever. I live with my oldest brother in a studio apartment, I have a good paying job with benefits, I am continuing to build healthy relationships spiritually and physically. I believe I am a much better person now than I was, especially having had the experiences with meeting other people who have had mental health struggles.
I still am facing many challenges including I have lost seemingly most of the people in my life that I thought were there to stay. People treat me differently. And most of all, not knowing what’s in my head and what’s not.
What I learned is to not take things personally and to focus on bettering myself and being patient. Also the importance of doing a little bit here and there as opposed to doing everything at once. Just do a little bit each day. It’s right over left. One day at a time. You don’t need a million people in your life. Just a few solid ones.
You choose what defines you. Mental disorders are not the end for you. In fact, if you let them they will teach you about yourself and others. But you have to be willing to learn and take the time. Also, we all walk in our own shoes. In conclusion, I pray, I read the Bible, I work out, I meditate, I spread love and good vibes, I learn, and I grow.
DS: Have you been involved in mental health advocacy?
RP: This will be my first time actually getting involved in mental health advocacy. I hope to get more involved in the near future. I am currently looking into developing a documentary/docu-series as there is so much more to this story that I want to share and talk about.
DS: What would you like to say to encourage others who are still working on their journey of recovery?
RP: What would I say to others? DON’T give up. You’re not alone. It’s the journey that matters, not the top of the mountain. My mom told me everyday is a struggle but you have to look at the outcome. You are a beautiful creation. No matter who you are and where you come from, you have the opportunity to shine and to become a better version of yourself. There are very good people on this Earth and so many things to do and see. Your mental health will only prevent you from seeing the beauty of things if you let it. Just know I am out here and I am fighting the good fight along with you.
About RaJon
The youngest of 6 kids, I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. I am an artist. I sing, rap, act, and dance. I have been in and around performing arts just about all my life. I have struggled with substance abuse and PTSD as well as issues with home life. I have been on an incredible journey with many heartaches and traumatic experiences but have found plenty of beauty through my struggle. I hope to share my story and expand my knowledge on mental health as well as life in general. You can connect with me on Facebook or Instagram.
Thanks so much to RaJon for sharing his inspiring story of hope!
Would you like to share your story of hope? I plan to feature more personal accounts like this from time to time on my blog. If you are interested in sharing your story, please notify me via my contact page. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend. Thanks!