Hi Christina,

It's almost exactly ten years since I became psychotic and I definitely feel as if I went through the stages you pointed out.  One thing that disturbs me is that I can't really remember the worst of what I went through.  It was so bad that I've blocked it out.  All I know is that it was traumatic, very intense for months, even years.  It was made worse by the fact that I wouldn't commit to taking the anti-psychotic meds for the first 3 years. I think what got me through was in part a fighting spirit through some of it and in another part a good deal of compassion for myself, others and the voices too. I think it's important to realize that all of us who have suffered from the trauma of psychosis go through these stages.  The hard part is to realize just where each of us are in the stages and then be tolerant and not critical of each other.  If someone is in denial when I am not, I should be extra respectful and realize that I've been there too.  Healing takes time.  And yes, hope is a must for us all.  Thanks Chris.