(NAPSI)—At one point, Josh described his life as a nightmare. He heard voices compelling him to break into his parents’ homes and take his sister’s car, landing him in jail. He says it is difficult to discuss this period of his life without perpetuating the negative stigma related to his diagnosis of schizophrenia, a condition that affects about 2.5 million American adults. Now, 13 years later, with a treatment team and family support, Josh cites accepting his schizophrenia as the turning point in his recovery, allowing him to actively engage in his treatments and better manage his illness.
With a combination of treatment that may include medication and psychotherapy, many living with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar I disorder, are able to participate in daily activities and live meaningful lives.
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