It took me quite a few years. I was never compliant with my meds after leaving the hospital. I didn't trust doctors and I was really afraid of side effects. I still just kind of ignore those things or else I start to get panicky. Eventually my husband gave me an ultimatum so I got on meds. I had some really scary hallucinations and got on more meds. And then I improved a lot.

I was detained in hospital and forced meds, that was just over 3 years ago. Well I wasn't forced antipsychotics in the traditional sense, it was a case of me not getting out until I took them. Now, three years later, is the only time I've been fully happy to take them willingly without being coerced.