Dr. Levy's unconditional acceptance of me was what enabled me to work closely with him from the very beginning.  We tried every new medication as it was introduced.  It took us ten years to find the combination of medications that worked for me.

It was Dr. Levy's unwavering conviction that I would recover that gave me hope and lent me the perseverance to keep trying one new medication after another, each one with its very own set of uncomfortable side effects, until we found the ones that worked for me.

While we searched together for the right medication, Dr. Levy taught me effective coping skills, some of which I have so far shared with you in this series of blogs.  When we finally did find the right combination of medication for me, these coping skills rapidly morphed into guidelines by which to live, and I hit the ground running and for many years never looked back.

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Please remember, this writing reflects my own experience and opinions.  If you, or a loved one, are experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia, or any other mental illness, you should seek professional assistance.

PS.  Don Fraser:  I will soon get back to you on your comments on Coping Skill #7.  It turns out we have more things in common than either of us realized.  I always look forward to your thoughts.