"Do you see shadows or catch glimpses of people following you?"..."Have you had head trauma?"..."Is it hard for you to have a conversation?"..."Is it hard for you to pay attention for long periods of time?"..."Do some colors bother you?"..."Have people told you that you lack facial expression or tone in your voice?"...Were you sexually abused as a young child?"..."Will you read this paragraph for me, and answer these questions?"

I was oblivious to the fact these questions would lead the doctors to my final diagnosis. After a couple of weeks of being in the hospital, and several tests later, the doctor sat me down and told me that I have schizophrenia. He said this explains my paranoia and other symptoms I had been experiencing.

Awareness is one of the first steps to overcoming a mental illness. Most of the time awareness of a mental illness is initiated by an outside party. A friend once told me I should see a psychologist. At the time I was not aware of an issue and did not take my friend seriously. In another incidence, a complete stranger told me that I look disoriented and confused, and asked me if I needed help.

First, the family member or friend should make sure they create or maintain a trusting relationship with the patient. You may be that person's eyes. Be very observant, in a subtle kind of a way. At some point there could be a very harsh reality (occurrence) where you will be an intricate part of the doctor's analysis.

The family member of the individual living with schizophrenia will go through an emotional roller coaster. In the beginning, my mother knew something was wrong, but she didn't know what. At first, she thought it was PMS. She would ask me if I was on my period when she noticed my demeanor changed. In response to her question I got very offended and did not take her concern seriously.

Consequently, I faced a harsh reality when I ended up in a jail cell after I got involved in a high speed chase with the police in a stolen military truck. In jail, I was uncooperative adn unlike my usual self. My social worker, attorney, and nurse pulled my family aside for questioning about my personality and background. My family played an intricate role in unveiling the real Ashley. They told officials what my interest and goals were.

Second, a family member or friend should keep a journal, preferably on the computer in order to make copies, or hand-written -- any way that is comfortable for you. The purpose of the journal is to keep an account of the patient's symptoms and behaviors, which will be very helpful when sharing with health professionals. The journal should include dates of admission into the hospital or other treatment facilities. Last, but not least, entries that describe the patient's behavior, reaction to treatment, and improvement. The types of medication prescribed should also be included in the journal.