The Case of Ponleak

Ponleak is a 23-year-old male who is the youngest of 5 children. Ponleak has a different father than his other siblings–a man in the town who was often referred to as “odd” and “off” because of his known bizarre behaviors. Behaviors that eventually led to Ponleak’s mother distancing herself from him. Being the youngest child, Ponleak was the last one in the home after all of his other siblings had already grown up and moved out. He was raised by a single mother and describes his childhood as being very sheltered. His mother did everything for him and he never had to do anything on his own–which is why he thought going into the Navy was a great choice for him. He thought it would help him “grow up” and be independent. He also loved the idea of being away from home.

Sadly, once in the Navy he stated that he “cracked under the pressure.” He was eventually admitted into a psychiatric hospital and often told family that they were trying to kill him there, so he had to be careful what he said over the phone because they were listening. Ponleak said that he had top-secret information because of his high status in the Navy and that’s why they are listening to his calls. He also said he could hear people in the next room plotting his death, but in reality, Ponleak has no one in the room next to him, though Ponleak insists that he’s seen them. Ponleak has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

You can view the transcript for “My Experience with Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder” here (opens in new window).

You can view the transcript for “Living with Schizophrenia – Ashley” here (opens in new window).

You can view the transcript for “What’s it like to live with #schizophrenia?” here (opens in new window).