college at the age of 23. The doctor diagnosed my condition as severe mental depression. I was prescribed an anti-depressant for
depression and a tranquilizer for the panic attacks that were occurring. I was so depressed I could not even eat without becoming
sick. As a result, I lost 20 pounds. The medication did not seem to help. I was heavily sedated with a tranquilizer. It took me
about a year to recover.
I eventually graduated from college with an accounting degree in December of 1996
at the age of 25. After graduating from college, I secured a job with the teamster union in Washington D.C. as an accounts payable
clerk. I was only on the job 2 months when I became ill again for the second time. This time I did not experience depression but
something just as dreadful, a head full of delusions with paranoia. Soon thereafter I was hospitalized and diagnosed with
schizophrenia. I am now 29 years old and have been living with schizophrenia for four years. I still am unemployed but I am
actively working to improve myself by reading and going to the gym to work out. Last month I started attending Schizophrenics
Anonymous. I found the people there to be friendly and struggling with some of the same problems that I have been battling with.
Schizophrenics Anonymous has helped me learn to accept my paranoia and delusions. I have begun to accept
myself with all my strengths and weaknesses. My confidence will continue to grow as I become a more complete person. With
Schizophrenics Anonymous I am rebuilding my life. I know that I can become the very best that I can be.