My Story

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia when I was 26 years old. I had always known that I was different from other people, but it wasn’t until I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt that I realized there was a name for what I was experiencing.

Since then, I have been on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, of doctor after doctor, and medication changes. But I am still here, still fighting.

In this blog, I want to share my story with others who may be struggling with mental illness. I want to give hope to those who feel like there is none. I want to show that it is possible to live a happy and fulfilling life despite having a mental illness.

When I was twenty-three years old, my long term girlfriend and I broke up. We spent 7 years together and also had 3 children. Me being young, dumb, and down in the dumps attempted suicide at my mothers house.  So when I went to drop from the chair in attempt to hang myself, the belt I was using broke.  I had been given a second chance to live.  The next day I admitted myself into the mental hospital in my hometown. There I was diagnosed with manic depressive disorder. I started taking an antidepressant and was learning many coping mechanisms. When I got out, I surrounded myself with friends and family that I could trust and rely on.   

A little over a year went by.  I got married and had 3 new step kids, had a baby with my wife, and started to enjoy life a lot.  In the recent months I have had several “schizophrenic” episodes.  Hearing voices all around me and severe depressive moments.  I got in with a psychiatrist as fast as I could and got on a solid course of action.  During my session she had pointed out many signs of not only schizophrenia, but bi-polar type two as well.  We immediately got a cocktail of medications including an antidepressant, an antipsychotic, and a mood stabilizer.  I once again surrounded myself with a support system. My wife, mother, best friend, and siblings were all helping me through this hard time.  Now I am 4 months into my medication and living life almost normally.  I have less episodes, I don’t get as depressed as I had before, and It is not affecting my job as a husband and father.

It is possible to live a normal, happy, and healthy life despite having a mental illness. While it may be difficult at times, there are many resources and treatments available to help manage mental illness. With the right support, people with mental disorders can lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives.