Healing From the Most Debilitating Mental Illness Known to Man

I always saw myself as normal. I dressed well, kept myself up, spoke well, earned my BA degree in psychology, so when I was told I had paranoid schizophrenia, I could not believe it.

Many times we have have a false image of what mental illness looks like. And because of this, many can not accept the fact that they have a mental illness. And they refuse medication. That's why telling our stories are so important. So others will see a face to mental illness.

Let me tell you my story.

I grew up in the project 1976. I never wanted for anything. Even though we were poor, my mom made sure I had everything I wanted and needed. How she did it, I couldn't tell you.

My father left when I was three. I remember him always telling me that he loved me and playing with my brother.

I didn't see him again until I was in my thirties.

I graduated from the University of South Florida May 2001 with my BA degree in Psychology. I never knew how much I would need it.

I began working for a nonprofit providing community referrals. That job became too stressful. I quit but I should have left months earlier. I was getting migraine headaches everyday which I believe was a sign that I was about to break down.

And sure enough I broke down.

I was seeing things, hearing things which I highlight in my book Let's Be Inspired: Undefeated Despite Schizophrenia. I actually remembered a lot of what I went through.

I refused treatment at first but meet a brilliant Pharmacist and he said, "You are beautiful.There's nothing wrong with taking medication. Many take medication for high blood pressure, stroke, take your medication and you will be fine."

I was able to take my medication after that. And I wasn't hospitalized for 13 years later after I had my child. I'm doing well now. I have many books published and I will soon began coaching others on how to publish and promote their book.