"I am 28 years old and was diagnosed with schizophrenia last month. I am still recovering from a 6 month psychosis episode where I wasn’t eating (I lost 20 pounds of hard earned muscle), lost all three of my jobs, lost friendships. I lost touch with reality for half a year and was constantly paranoid with anyone and everyone including my own family. My occupation is a nurse but I had such little awareness of my life deteriorating that my family had to make the difficult decision and call Adult protective services so I could be hospitalized and get the help I needed. I went from being independent and serving the community/saving lives to becoming a monitored patient court compelled to take medication for my own safety. And that’s part of the disease, you can’t recognize something is wrong with your mind. I had to break my apartment lease and sell most of my furniture to move in with parents. But I am thankful for such a loving support system. For the medical staff that cared for me with dignity and respect. And I’m grateful for the medicine that helps me return back to the world and my family. Because the thing about mental illness is it’s invisible. You usually don’t know you have it until your sinking in it. Both sides of my family don’t talk about mental illness which may be why I was diagnosed so late. I’m at peace with it because I am able to give myself grace knowing now what the disease is. Schizophrenia does not define me, it’s just part of my story. Medical access for mental illnesses in Texas is a hassle, especially if your unemployed. But my family and I take it one step at a time. My faith and love have kept me strong during the highs and lows, and a gentle reminder that progress is slow even during the days that seem like I am regressing. My advice would be to always talk to someone, don’t get lost in your own thoughts. It’s good to watch tv with good folks and have a laugh. To not take things so seriously no matter how messed up it may seem. And always take your medicine!"
-Anonymous
