S c h i z o p h r e n i a

With today’s medications, a person suffering from a mental illness can be helped, on condition that he/she continues to take meds. Most people are not only helped by these medications, but they manage to find work and are able to lead full lives. BUT, for the few who cannot be helped, this is how they feel.

Schizophrenia, depression and bi-polar illness are beasts.

Mental illness tests relationships within the family circle and those of friends to the fullest.

Family life becomes fragmented.

 Mental illness pursues with a vengeance.

People are loath to speak about mental illness.

Too many young people end up in cemeteries instead of on their surfboards, on dance floors or on the sport fields.

Mental illness tears apart the fabric of life as we know it.

Family members find reasons to flee whenever they possibly can.

Healthy siblings seldom invite friends home as it’s far more pleasant to spend time with friends out of the house.

There are husbands who leave home to find love and comfort elsewhere.

Even David’s beloved dog shied away from him because he took her on too many long walks. The dog often hid under the coffee table in the living room seeking shelter from the ‘storm.’ And, I am ashamed to say, that there were times when I wished I could join her there and hide.