It seems like it's been so long ago.

[Tobin S.]

cliffordu has a great post in GD on the subject of mental illness. I guess the Arizona killer has got a lot of people talking about it now days.

It's been 7.5 years since my last hospitalization. I feel so good now that I often wonder if I still need to take the medication. I've come a long, long way- from within an inch of taking my own life to living independently, having a good career, and I'll probably get married later this year. That last one is the kicker. I'd never been in love before, and, of course, never married. It looks like I'm going to achieve everything I've ever wanted.

I have schizoaffective disorder. Few people have heard of it, but, basically, it's severe bipolar disorder. But I'm so far removed from experiencing the symptoms that the time I spent experiencing them seems like another lifetime. I thought about how I would describe what I went through back then, but it just seems pointless, like it's a chapter in my life that I've read several times. It's time to put it down, that chapter is closed.

To all of those who are suffering from a mental illness: It's possible to recover, even fully recover. It's even possible that your life will be better than it ever has been. I wish you well. If you fall, get back up and keep going. You'll never know how things might turn out if you don't fight the good fight.

[knowbody0]

1. Toby,

I've been following your posts for many years now, and I know no one who has worked harder, thought more deeply, to breakthrough the boundaries of your "label". You are getting what you always hoped for and a testament to the power of determination.

I am so happy you found your future bride and that you're making plans for life together!

peace and love, big guy.

[mdmc]

2. yupyup

peace and low stress T.

[mopinko]

3. so great to hear. so many stories of people who can't shake

their mental illness. it is so great to hear someone who has.
congratulations on married thing. may you have a long and happy life together.
thanks for sharing your stories so generously with us.

[EFerrari]

4. PSA: You know, it's okay for you to keep taking care of yourself

in all kinds of ways, including by taking your meds, even if you feel good.

Feeling good is not a signal that you don't deserve any more good. It's confirmation that you're doing a good job.

Great job, my friend.

:)

[Tobin S.]

5. Gotcha

Yeah, it struck me that maybe my OP could have given the idea that I'm going to stop taking my meds. That is not the case, and if I ever were considering doing that I would do it with the guidance of a doctor.

Thank you. :)