Well I’m from Detroit, MI originally. I was raised the 9th child of 10 total. I have deep roots in church. Being named after my uncle Bishop Samuel Nathan Hancock, who had a major hand in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.), before founding the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Church (PCAF).
My youth consisted of tons of church, but an aggressive, verbal abusive home environment from siblings. We didn’t always display to one another what we were raised to believe.
I believe that had implications on me as an adult. I got I to music as a way to receive affirmation because I was criticized brutally at home for being talented. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by talented peers at school, and myelf and two great friends stumbled on the opportunity to sign with Oscar & Grammy Award Winner Pharrell Williams.
Shortly after, I was introduced to marijuana and my life took a turn for the worst. I believe I had a laced substance, because I started to experience thoughts that were unhealthy and I contemplated suicide.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression in 2012 and spent 10 days in a psychiatric ward.
After being released (mid signing the deal with Pharrell), I decided to walk away from the opportunity to secure my sanity. I knew at the time that something triggered my illness, but didn’t know what. So I detached from everything and everyone, including family and friends. I took about two years to myself to understand what happened and how to never go down that path again.
After full recovery, I wrote a book about my experience in hopes to veer people off the road I took. I plan to step back into music when the book is released, but vastly different in that my music will represent the grace afforded to me to no longer battle with the diagnosis.
I plan to be an advocate for mental health until I die, and hope to impact lives across the world with my message of self care and self education.
I’ve created a fundraiser for the proper launching and marketing of this transformational book. All who donate any amount whatsoever, will receive an original copyrited manuscript of the book. The goal is to reach $9,000 in funds. We’ve reached $1,250 so far. To doante, go to http://www.youcaring.com/GeniusOfASchizophrenicProject
Hi Jermaine,
Thank you for sharing your story. As you took time away to try & figure out what happened did anyone explain to you that it has been said there is a strong association between marijuana & schizophrenia? Obviously other factors have to come into play as well, but this could be one of them. Thank you for your bravery in speaking out. God bless you on your journey.
Deb
Thanks Deb! Yes I’ve heard that. I’m so appreciative of you. Please feel free the check out the book at http://www.youcaring.com/geniusofaschizophrenicproject