Hello to everyone in the community.I hope this message finds everyone well. It is shortly after 1:00 in the morning and I am currently at work at my part time job as a security guard.In my line of work it seems as though there is always plenty of spare time to use until the end of your shift arrives.I thought I'd take advantage of the slow time I have right now and offer some personal thoughts. I am not a doctor.I am just a John Doe like everyone else in this community who is trying their best to deal with their illness.My illness happens to be paranoid schizophrenia. I have been receiving treatment for many years now.That treatment comes in the form of therapy,but in my mind therapy can take many different shapes.There are times when that therapy,for me at least,can be very subtle but very effective. For me there is the therapy that you receive from your doctor-patient relationship.Just as important is the therapy you receive from taking your medication everyday.This is of utmost importance.Other beneficial therapy comes in the form of support groups such as this web site.Maybe some of you are involved in outside support groups.If you are,stick with it,the interaction can be valuable. For me,the simpler things in life provide me with tremendous therapy.I happen to love music.A beautiful song can stir my soul,calm my nerves and relieve any stress.A simple walk in my local park to feed the ducks may not seem like much,but it does wonders.The sight of a newborn infant in it's mothers arms is a wonderous sight to behold.At sunrise when the birds start to chirp to greet the day,these are sounds as simple as they may be,that are meant to enrich our lives.All that I am trying to say is that in my opinion there are many forms of therapy.We just need to take advantage of some of the more simpler things in life that God has blesed us with. Some of you may be thinking,"that's easy for you to say".But believe me I have been to the bottom and I am still working my way up.I feel as though I have made great progress even though I went through some bad times.By bad times I mean I no longer pop bottles of trazodone.I no longer feel compelled to cause bodily harm to myself.Also,I have managed to stay out of the hospital.I have been in and out of the hospital 4 times,and have no plans of going back.But I must stick to my therapy with my doctor and just as important I must take my medication. One thing that I think turned things around for me is that I finally accepted who I was as a person.I admitted to myself that I was a paranoid schizophrenic,accepted it and decided that I did need treatment.That is what turned things around for me.I still have days where I still feel confused, but for the most part I feel as though I can say I'm making progress. I sorry but I must repeat myself one more time.I am not a doctor,but I can't stress how important it is that you see your doctor on a regular basis and as always take your medication. I appreciate any feedback.The interaction of ideas is great in as far as my own therapy is concerned. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Robert