I originally came because I needed to talk to other people who have been through experiences similar to my son's. Psychosis and schizophrenia must be amongst the most difficult human experiences to understand if you've never been through it yourself. And it's apparently very difficult to explain to others who haven't been there.

When I first came here, my son was unmedicated and in the midst of a severe psychotic episode. It seemed to me he was wandering in a wilderness I had never been to myself, so I couldn't help. I needed some guides to explain the terrain to me - without pressuring me to just force him to take medication against his will. (The other two forums I went to were pretty much about trying to force me to force him to take medication. It's stressful to be lectured to - and even put down by some people - when I was just asking for support and insight.)

I've met some very patient and generous people here who have helped me at least get a peek into the experience of psychosis. Every time I think I get it, though, it slips away.

Like George, I've stayed around because I've found some people I care about here.