I was researching schizophrenia in 2009 and I stumbled onto the old forums. I had never been in a chatroom or a message board prior to this,I didn’t even really know how they worked. But anyways, a person had posted a question related to working and I thought, “Wow, that’s right up my alley.” So I answered the question and it got a good response so I started coming here to post about work and then I branched out to just general categories.
I only started coming here every couple of weeks but I was hooked and I always wanted to help people because I had a friend/ enemy early in my disease a couple of decades ago who would occasionally help me out in real life (when he wasn’t threatening to shoot me or call the cops on me, lol).
He put an alternator on my car when I didn’t know how for example or lent me money without expecting anything back and that always stuck with me and made a lasting impression on me and made me want to help others whenever I can.
I love the interaction on here and I had never heard other schizophrenics talk about their symptoms so frankly or be so open about their disease before and that made me want to stay here too.
I tell my story and many people have told me it inspires them or gives them hope. So I will keep doing what I’m doing on here until someone drives me off or I can’t help anyone any more.
I remember you from the old days. It’s always been a great community here over the years and although I’ve had some serious time off it really is addictive in it’s own way.
I’m always amazed how strangely similar most of our experiences are. You know people who’ve survived psychosis for example. You know people who have the Jesus complex. We all live it and it’s great to find others who have tread the same paths that you have.
More importantly. It’s great to know people for themselves. You always give me a laugh Nick. I look forward to that and appreciate you just living your life and working. I have travelled similar roads although it’s been a long time since I’ve worked.
Love your work my friend. Always look forward to your posts and your insight. As I’ve said before…you amaze me how you’ve lived through your experience! Kudos to you!
Thanks once again @rogueone for the encouragement and recognition. It does not go un-noticed for sure. I bet you have one or two or a hundred great stories to tell too.
Yeah, that’s what makes these forums comfortable. The same shared experiences. I hope you have a good night/day. I will see you later.
Thanks for sharing your stories and experiences, Nick. You inspire me to do better with what I’m dealt, I’m trying to apply other places right now to get back to work, since I’ve been stable for some time.
You are one of the most respectable members I believe on this forum…I too have been here for over a decade and you inspire many with your stories and jokes…you are funny too…I respect that a good sense of humor is essential…kudos to you @77nick77
I don’t remember exactly what I was googling when I came across this site but I saw a few posts before deciding to join. I mainly use it as a way to better understand myself from other people’s perspectives. It’s kind of like informal therapy for me. Also you guys are pretty cool and the only people besides my boyfriend I speak to on a regular basis.