I joined this group a few weeks ago and I was just reading through messages for the most part. I really didn't have much to say at the time. I simply wanted to read more about people who were similar to me. I think this is a very active group considering the number of member there are, and I think that's great!

Hmmm, what should I tell you about myself? I was diagnosed in March of this year, but I've been having problems since I was a senior in high school. I had my first psychotic episode then. We didn't know what it was or what to call it. We all figured it was due to my hectic schedule(two jobs and 5am cheerleading practice) over the summer. Oh, yeah, and I was abusing diet pills.

So, six years went by. I went to college. I was AFROTC. I was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force. Six months into the military, I had my second episode. Six months later I was discharged.

I moved to D.C. I got a wonderful job as a meeting/event planner for a political organization. I started therapy for the first time in my life because of the depression and confusion I was experiencing about my life and my mental health. Two and a half years went by and I had by third episode. I finally got started on meds, but I guess they weren't working because shortly thereafter I had a fourth episode! We are all still trying to figure this out.

I was "let go" at my previous job clearly because of my condition (don't even get me started). I just started a new job doing the same work (meeting planning) but I'm not liking it too much. It's just too quiet and too boring. And for the first time in a long time..I'm not in charge. I'm not looked at as a leader. People think I'm just some peon (spelling?).

Anyway, I was asked to share so there you have it. Trust me there's much more I just don't want to overwhelm the group.

So here are some questions: Are there any high functioning, working adults in the group? Do any of you have really demanding jobs or lifestyles? What makes you want to get up in the morning? How do you keep going throughout the day?

Thanks for letting me share.

Chalette