George's Story

In his childhood George was teased, taunted, traumatised and tortured physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually by a relative.

He felt frustrated and angry. He screamed and raged. He slowly became fearful.

In primary school he was teased and laughed at by many children for being inept at sport.

He felt upset and powerless. He became more fearful.

In junior highschool he was bullied by many children of his year for being a member of a minority group.

He felt terrified. He felt faulty and inferior. He became more fearful. He suffered from social anxiety. He felt shame.

In senior highschool he met his first love. After a short relationship she told him to leave her alone. She already had a boyfriend. He was used without compassion.

He felt frustrated, hurt, and guilty. He became more uncertain and confused.

At university he was taken advantage of by a fellow student. The fellow student befriended him, used him and then isolated him.

He felt rejected, deserted and terrified. He became fearful and passive. He was friendless and lonely.

Whilst in first job he went to a political demonstration. He was arrested, convicted and jailed.

He felt confused, intimidated and reduced in size.

Soon afterwards George started hearing voices. He could not cope. He went to a public mental hospital. After three months he was discharged. He was told to consult a doctor regularly and take medication. He asked what his illness is called. They said, 'schizophrenia'.

He felt disheartened. His spirit was broken. He lost control over his life. He felt hopeless and depressed. He became passive.

For many years George struggled to do basic activities. He was a poor achiever. He couldn't laugh. He couldn't enjoy intimacy. He lived alone. He had some psychotic episodes.

He was sad. He was fearful.

George consulted private health professionals. He read psychology and self-help books. He attended self-development courses. He participated in mental health support groups and Twelve Steps Recovery support groups. He observed people. He studied the Intervoice website. He found a Higher Power.

He slowly developed courage. He got back power. He is frightened less often.

George is very cautious about whom he allows into his life. He is slow to trust. He only confides in a few people. He carefully evaluates the characters of his perspective friends. He sometimes obtains reports from mutual acquaintances. He is independent. He has a Higher Power. He feels that it loves him.

His moods vary. He usually gets over upsets in an hour or two. He gets fooled less. He is usually in control of his life.