The first time I had a psychotic episode, I was hospitalized for a little over a month. I disappeared from home and ended up hospitalized in another state. My parents had put out a missing person's report, but eventually they found me. I was often violent (which people who know me know that I am not a violent person at all,) and was often restrained in isolation. It goes to show you that when you're having a psychotic episode, you aren't yourself. I was hallucinating, suicidal and I refused to eat or drink anything which led to me dropping a great deal of weight too.

Anyway, I was put on lexapro, risperdal and ativan. After my release, it took me over a month to feel normal. I've had about 3 other hospitalizations since then and I'm currently on prozac and abilify, but I still struggle a great deal.

I was ashamed too about it, but talking about it and informing people about it helped a great deal and I even found out that some had experiences with family members who were dealing with the same thing. Alot of my good friends know bout it and some don't. It just depends on who you trust.

Hope this helps!