path to something better

For some time, it seemed the rule at my house was, "Don't ask, don't tell."  My attempts to explain what was happening to me fell by the wayside, and I prayed for a Good Samaritan to come and bind my wounds and help me on my way.  Therapists and psychiatrists contributed to self-understanding but did not supply the warmth and acceptance I sought from my own family.

Now, many years later, I find I am telling my story bit by bit as it fits into a certain conversation or circumstance.  And it is usually telling the details when another family member or friend find themselves or others mentally ill and they don't know how to deal with it.  I can say that, "This is what helped me."  Hopefully, I am doing a bit of that at this site.

And I have had to make my peace with the lack of warmth and understanding from family.  Instead I have started trying to accept them just the way they are.  Iin other words, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

MyAnimus you story sounds somewhat like mine. My world was my own and nobody else's. My birth family was and is unsupportive. There's a no speak rule in it. That's okay, they will never know who they really are. As far as telling people about your sz. that is a personal matter you must work out for yourself. Early on in history I told no one. I was ashamed and fearful they would judge improperly. As time went on I told a few. The reactions I got were various. Some were like "did you kill someone" or "are you looney", or people just accepted and didn't seem to find. This last year and a half I've been speaking up and telling everyone. I volunteer as a speaker for the Mental Health Association. I've gone to different places and spoke to people what's it's like to have sz. I believe this is my true calling. I've finding now, more people are accepting of my disclosure that ever.  I'm not ashamed anymore. I want to help ease the pain of sz and educate the public. I hope you can find peace within yourself to find your true calling. Patience,perserverance and dedication are key.

Well I certainly dont tell anyone about my living with sz,I dont want anyone to know and I can certainly say they will look at me differently ,the relationships would most likely change. Poeple are not informed and have a very negative view on sz.

I just recently told my Mother and Father and 1 of my sisters ,They did not judge me witch was a surprise ,they took it very seriously and read up on it so they know what they are dealing with.

I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful man in my life who also knows of the sz .

I know if I told the few friends I have they would no longer be my friends any more because they would not trust my judgement.

I also have an ex husband who I have 3 children with and will never tell him because he would take me to court and try to have full custody of my children. I can not put myself through that.

It is up to you if you want to put yourself through the pain that it will most certainly cause you should you tell others.

Please trust your judgment you are a functioning adult who makes desintions everyday

Do not allow your illness to take over your life anymore, you take over your life!!

I have and am doing very well.

I hope I have helped some what

Mimi