My name is Earle, I was diagnosed in February of 1996 with this disorder and have had many ups and downs. At first I turned to drugs to help deal with the voices, this only got me in trouble with the law and bad kids in town. I ended up not taking my medication because the voices told me I was better. Two weeks later I ended up back in a lock down hospital facility in Northern California. Now I live in South western Missouri and after 15 years of taking my medication religiously on schedule I have finished my Masters Degree in Business Administration and I am working on a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership and Organizational Development. The key to success is focus. When we focus on the illness we get consumed in the moment, when we focus on other things in life, may it be a butterfly in the window or the sound of a train in the distance we can avoid the consumption of the illness. I have learned through therapy to focus on School and family and not become consumed with self pitty and suffering.
I still hear the voices from time to time but avoid contact with others and seek out medical assistance when it becomes more than I can handle. Remember help is just a phone call away. Call a family member, doctor help line, or even a friend before you get in trouble with the law. Been there done that, don’t want to go back. You can do it just believe in yourself and trust in the medication. I am a Survivor.