Hello,

While I have not had a full blown delusional episode in about 7 years, I still get a lot of paranoia and more recently I've started having audio hallucinations again. (Within the last 6 months, very sporadically.) I'm diagnosed bipolar, though, because although it has been determined I had a psychotic episode so many years ago, it happened when I wasn't in treatment so I'm diagnosed bipolar with psychotic features.

When my episode happened I was also being chased by a "secret society." A new office building was built in my neighborhood and this was the trigger, and all of my deulsions were centered on that building, (which I called "the building," and which served as a headquarters.) I had a very "tight knit" group of friends at that time, but none of them were supportive in that instead of finding me help, they just went along with me and agreed with me, and looking back at that time I am very angry at them, but have not had contact with them in many years so my anger just sits. So, although maybe your family and friends do not understand exactly what is happening, it is good they are supporting you.

The stigma of mental illness is terrible. It isn't something easily fixed, either, because it is in the media with mis-representations and the only time you hear of psychosis in the news, it's due to a violent act. The only way to fight against it is with awareness and education. Educating yourself on your condition so that you can explain it to others is very good to do.