My schizophrenia started in 1991

Needless to say I was up all night burning the candle at both ends and didn't get much sleep .My partner was unemployed and pushed from scheme to scheme and he was in deep depression .I had no help .

That's when my brain gave up at 26, I had my first psychotic episode and section under the Mental Health Act.  A month later still no help and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia,so I pulled my thoughts together enough to train with the Citizens Advice Bureau and become a volunteer.  Shortly after my kids were in a special school and a nursery. 

I had relationship problems with Mum and Dad and the siblings because of a lack of support and didn't speak for 10 years, it was too painful to think about.

In '96 however I had a relapse and was sectioned again, 3 years later I came off my medication with the support of my local Community Psychiatric Nurse to have my daughter .  I was great until she was 10 months old I even breast fed her.  Then I stood for Election in 2000, yes you heard right I became a local councillor for 4 yrs before I had another episode and in 2005 I was sectioned again.

This time I was ill for a long time 9 mths and it took some effort to pull my head together enough to do a ten week course at University , now I am the proud owner of a certificate in Mental Health Leadership and Empowerment.

These days I  attend college and study creative writing, which I love, I am even attempting a book. 

The point is never give up no matter how many times you get knocked down by life at least it isn't boring.