Hi Robin-

My boyfriend started out with schizophrenia when he was 17....My biological mother was the same way..Ive known other schizophrenic friends of mine who have started out this young too. That is such a true statistic. Ive always have said my greatest respect is to people who live with this disorder. I would even put its criticality above that of the rapid cycling bipolar disorder I live with. Being a kind friend, daughter and a girlfriend over here too to my special people who are touched with it.

My mother belongs to a mental health clubhouse to and it helps her out a great deal. Iam glad that they have those places for people. My boyfriend doesnt but he has community drop in support where they drop in and check on him at his apartment and otherwise he lives on his own.. The options have really changed for the better for these people and I am grateful for that. That its not just halfway houses or mental institutions anymore.

Congratulations to you too. That is awesome what you are doing with yourself. I wish you the best in fulfilling your dream. I like to write too. Wishing you success..

I am the same way too.. I love to encourage my friends.. even in my own dark times I find myself doing so in the midst of it all.

Take Care and best wishes,
Katie