Ryan’s Story

I live with Schizophrenia, and have since I was fourteen. It has been a long journey, and still a lot more to go. I am twenty-three, married, and safe. I have had so many different trials in life, and struggling is an understatement. I have tried different methods of treatment ranging from, medication to hospitalization. Some key things that help me stay calm and under control are; talking to loved ones, meditation, breathing, writing, music, and more. I am a computer programmer who would love to work for NASA one day. Still, everyday I struggle to get people to understand, or take me seriously. I feel as if I have to scream to even be heard. I have had myself under control for over a year, and it took way more than that to understand. I just want the world to know that we are equal. We aren't incapable of being normal, and as long as we take responsibility for our actions, we will change. I have a much deeper story to tell, and so does everyone with a mental illness, but it will never be heard if no one listens or cares.