My son was diagnosed with the same illness eight years ago. It has been quite a journey, but, like John, he is doing so much better now that he is taking medication. I bought your movie for the local library and have organized an event, Mental Illness Awareness Week. Keep up your beautiful art. You don’t realize how many people you have inspired with your art and your story. Now my city will get to be inspired too.
I have a step-son who is only 16 and he's been diagnosed since he was 10. For a long time I thought his condition was unique. After watching the documentary yesterday, for the first time, I saw that my son was not alone. Watching your film yesterday was very inspirational.
I have always feared there was a dark future for Mikey. Seeing John.. his mannerisms, expressions, vocal patterns, the pacing, the breathing patterns.....even the little songs he makes up on the fly, they are identical to my son. It was like looking 14 years into the future. I was very happy to hear that John is doing well. I'm no longer frightened for my son.
Your art and life story really inspired me. It helps me realize there are people living just like me; afraid to go outside, hearing voices, paranoid and covering it up with headphones. I really enjoyed watching the movie and can relate to almost all of your symptoms and take the same medications you do. I am 25 years old, I also have schizophrenia differentiated since 1998. I also am an artist but not as talented as you are. I live with my mom and sister and am not able to drive like you can. But maybe I’ll be able to get as better as you some day.
You’ve touched my life. Dealing with bipolar in my own life, and in the lives of my clients, I have experienced many similar, if not verbatim, things that John has gone through. The whole world needs to see this film.
I’m 16 yrs. old and I appreciate that John allowed his life to be filmed so that others may understand more about mental illnesses. I was so interested in seeing the film because I have become very interested in schizophrenia and how it affects people. Many people out there have misconceptions about this disease. I often have heard "Isn't that a split personality?"
Hopefully through your film and me straightening people out, the world will become informed. I will never know exactly what you are going through, but I can sympathize. I was diagnosed when I was in 9th grade (I am now entering 11th). Like your friend in the film, I only have the obsessions, not the compulsions. I have so many anxiety filled thoughts flooding my head every day. I also have cut myself before, many times. I haven't recently though and i think that is mostly because of my medication. Thank you.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was twenty two years old and there are things we will never be able to communicate with those who seek a normal life.
I too think in images - I saw the Medusa and I’ve seen God. Tell John that his battle is worthwhile and that the gains he makes will keep helping him deal with real situations. I told the thoughts to F*CK OFF and I meant business; it was either them or me. Of course when you really believe in yourself anything can be achieved. I then did CBT to calm down.
Now I am scott free, no cares in the world, functioning, working on gaining a life that the seventeen years took from me. I have faced all my fears and guess what they disappeared!
You helped lend a “normal” face to an illness shrouded in darkness. I suffer too, and been on medication for about a year. I think it helps. Your movie made me feel so good that someone could express part of what I’ve tried to explain for years. Thank you!
I am married to a wonderful man who also suffers from this disease. I am so overwhelmed with emotion after watching your film.
I cannot tell you how I feel about my husband not being able to tell anyone but me. I have tried endlessly to get him to start trusting and speaking. I have had to keep it inside for 20 yrs. I never knew where to turn and I just kept hoping and praying someone would find the courage and strength to do what John has done. Finally, someone in the entertainment world has finally spoken up and let the world see what it is really like. Thank you!!!!!
Thank you for this uplifting story about schizophrenia. My son has just recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is struggling very hard to cope with all the changes it's created in his life. He doesn't know who to talk to about his feelings besides the doctor and his support group and you’ve helped him start opening up to me.
Your film spoke to my heart. I’ve never written anyone about a movie before. I have a daughter who was diagnosed with bi-polar illness 10 years ago. She is also extremely creative and has written and recorded some songs that are quite good. We cried and we laughed when we watched together. Thank you.
Our 30 year old daughter has episodes of depression, paranoia, conspiracy, and the feeling she is being controlled by others. She also has fits of rage. She will rarely discuss her symptoms, and will not, on her own seek professional help, medical or otherwise.
Our whole family is deeply affected by whatever is wrong with her. Thank you for making your film. We saw it today. I think it’s time for our family to go out and find a support group and other families so that we can help our daughter get treatment. Thank you.
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