Hi, just decided to write to this forum on the spur of the moment. I have had a diagnosis of schizophrenia for 16 years but have been stable on meds for 4 years.

I have had 4 episodes of psychosis leading to hospitalisation. During these times I had hallucinations but didn't hear voices, only tunes, irritating repetitive tunes like phone tones.

Most of my problems derived from my distorted interpretations of the world. Everything had a symbolic meaning for me, words, objects, everything. My mind was all over the place!

I learnt a new word "sychronicity". When unconnected coincidences seem to be telling me something magical was happening.

I had the illusion that people could read my thoughts because they'd start talking about something I had just been thinking of.

Eventually I was so paranoid I thought everything was about me. It was both frightening and thrilling.

Now I am thinking straight again and everything seems boring in comparison. I find it difficult to be enthusiastic about anything, even things I used to find enjoyable, music, books and TV.

I also think coming through an experience like this leaves people with symptoms of post traumatic stress syndrome.

What I really want to say is, where can I find help with the after effects of a psychotic experience and making sence of the world now.

Thanks for reading this.

John.