The Collected Schizophrenias

In 2013, Wang was referred to a neurologist during a 10-month period of delusions, somatic symptoms, and sickness. The doctor ordered several tests that eventually resulted in Wang’s diagnosis of Lyme disease, a disease that attacks her nervous system, joints, and muscles. A specialist Wang saw during this time convinced her that her schizoaffective disorder was caused by the same tick that caused her Lyme disease, but Wang also notes that several other disorders have similar symptoms, and she does not remember being bitten. She describes a community and organization that formed around the belief that chronic Lyme disease is real and not simply some other condition. Wang admits that she has no way of knowing whether her diagnosis is legitimate or not, but she believes it for the sake of comfort and practicality. The idea that mental illness is caused by autoimmune dysfunction is currently being researched.

In 2017, Wang went to Chimayó, a pilgrimage site in New Mexico, with a friend named Porochista. They were both in Santa Fe receiving a long series of medical treatments for their progressive Lyme disease. Wang feels extremely ill and can hardly imagine going on the pilgrimage.