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Understanding Your Diagnosis
A new diagnosis can bring up a lot of questions and uncertainties, but learning what to expect and where to turn can make a big difference. The first 90 days after a schizophrenia diagnosis are especially important for understanding your condition and building a support network. These resources cover key topics to help you get started, from understanding symptoms to finding the right care. Use this program as a starting point as you navigate life with schizophrenia — one step at a time.
What Is a Psychiatric Advance Directive and How Can It Help You?
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Take control of your mental health care before you’re in a vulnerable position. Learn how a psychiatric advance directive can empower you to make treatment decisions ahead of time.
Finding a Doctor or Therapist for Schizophrenia: 6 Tips
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Take the guesswork out of your search for support. This article offers clear, actionable steps to help you find a doctor or therapist who can provide support for schizophrenia.
Can Someone With Schizophrenia Live a Fulfilling Life?
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A fulfilling life with schizophrenia isn’t just something to hope for — it’s achievable. Learn how treatment, support, and self-advocacy can help you or a loved one set and achieve goals for a satisfying life with schizophrenia.
Finding Group Therapy and Other Resources for Schizophrenia: 5 Tips
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You don’t have to navigate schizophrenia alone. This article offers practical steps to help you find group therapy and other resources that can support you.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Positive, Negative, and More
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Explore the full spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms and learn how they affect behavior, emotions, and thinking. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or supporting a loved one, this article equips you with the insight to recognize symptoms effectively.
8 Facts To Know About Schizophrenia
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Get up to speed with essential facts about schizophrenia’s causes, symptoms, and treatment that can help break stigma and guide more informed conversations.
Your Privacy Choices
I have been diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia for 21 years. It started when I got out of the Navy early when I was 19 years old. I had been dealing with an alcoholic addiction for years and there were times I didn't take my medication. That led me in jail or in psychiatric hospitals all my life. Currently I am on three years probation for commiting crimes while I tried to go back to college. The college scene wasn't always good for me so now I dropped out and made a decision to not ever to go back. Now I am 308 days Sober and I have been taking my medication since August 2025 and I have been seeing my psychiatrist every six weeks. I take Olanzapine 15mg at night for my bipolar and schizophrenia which seems to help with lamotrigine at night also which helps with depression. In the morning I take acamprosate I for alcohol dependacy with hydroxicine for anxiety. Then in the afternoon hydroxicine and acamprosate. The acamprosate also at night. I am going to Outpatient at Blue ridge Behavioral Health for Medication Management and my partner Jenny takes me to all my appointments and even supports me by going in with me to talk to my doctor and she helps separate my medication for me weekly. To have someone support you, whether it be a friend or family really works out and helps you live a better life. I now am focusing on my Mental Health and Sobriety and helping pay bills and save some money. I have been on SSDI for 13 years. I have tried to go back to work, working over 30 different jobs in my life but couldn't hold down a job for more than 10 months due to being sick. I went to several different colleges from Florida to Virginia but same thing happened where I couldn't finish a degree. So I stay on SSDI and live a great life. I moved back to Virginia almost four years ago and might of messed up and got three years probation but I am in good standing with my probation officer and my psychiatrist and my Sobriety and my love life is great with the help from Jenny. If you read this post reach out to me and I will try to respond.
Thank you,
Brian McCann