(Apr. 15, 2016) For the past 14 years I have been dealing with mental illness. I have been in and out of the hospital over 50 times. I have been on a journey of highs and lows. I have been abused physically and mentally. Yet through it all I am here to share my story.
Today I am proud to say I have been out of the hospital for 17 months and I'm in a program called Connections. Since becoming a part of this program I have been out of the hospital. I am now taking meds to treat paranoid schizophrenia and, along with journaling and therapy, I have been able to live a high functioning life.
The Connections team is a support system with doctors, nurses, social workers, employment specialists, housing specialists and aides. They make house visits and they also take us shopping and to appointments. With this support system in place it helps us to manage our lives better.
I believe as a consumer it is imperative that I educate myself on the meds and their pros and cons. While it has taken me 13 years to find the right combination of drugs, it doesn’t necessarily have to take that long. It’s all about finding the right meds for you. We need to work together to make life easier for those of us affected by this illness.
The meds they have me on are in very low doses. My mind is not racing anymore, I am coherent and alert with no depression or anxiety. I have hope that one day I will be able to function without meds. There are a few side effects, but I keep my doctors informed so they will know how to treat me.
I know the challenge for many of us is taking meds, but I am a witness that it can help you function better. You just have to be proactive and assertive in your recovery. Ask questions, research, research and research again.
To those who share my struggle of battling not only the illness but also the stigma attached to it: Keep your head up and know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
CALVIN DAVIS JR.
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
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