In 1980, I was forced into treatment. I was convinced that my life was in disarray but not in crisis. I was wrong. My parents were at wits in trying to figure out a way to get me into treatment. Finally I would get good treatment but it took a while for me to realize that I have to take meds to maintain my sanity. My poor parents after about two years convinced me to take my meds every day.

Unfortunately that medication was a first generation medication. So I was pretty numbed out and zombie like. I was not hurting myself or anyone else so in the 80s this was considered successful treatment. In 2003 I started a second generation med and I began to do much better.

I started back to work and eventually found love and a wife.

But those 23 years were a struggle and my parents stood by me as we tried to figure out how the recovery process can be enhanced. I took an occasional class but for those 23 years I leaned on my parents for support pretty heavily. We would go out to dinner every Saturday and a movie! I really looked forward to that!

I late discovered wellness tools that helped in my recovery. I love music and sports and journaling so I do that to stay well along with my meds.

I now work as a certified medical/cal peer support specialist in downtown San Diego! I support others in their recover process!

We can do well but so many do not due to anosognosia and poor treatment opportunities.

Let’s help those who are not so fortunate!

They can thrive too!