Today, Kody uses a healthy dose of humor to connect with people online. Sharing the most vulnerable parts of his life can be difficult, but leaning into the more lighthearted side of things allows him to talk about schizophrenia and addiction in a way that is cathartic for him and relatable for others. “Using comedy allows me to reach people and, at the same time, heal myself,” he says.
Kody hopes “normalizing the discussion” of mental health topics will encourage people to connect with vital resources sooner. “I want to make sure that no one has to go through the loneliness I felt early on in my own diagnosis,” he says.
As his TikTok videos continue to help others, his followers help him just the same, creating a positive cycle of support and encouragement.
“People who have schizophrenia who reach out are largely the reason I continue to make content and continue to be an advocate,” Kody says. “I see the impact it’s having on them — and me.”