I'm Working On Getting My Sanity Legally Restored
Back in 2012, I had a psychotic break. I was stressed beyond belief, wasn't getting enough sleep... and I just lost it.
Started hearing voices. Developed elaborate conspiracy theories explaining such voices. Went down "the rabbit hole" as I call it, finding all sorts of stuff on the internet that seemingly corroborated what I had thought up in my mind.
Never once did it occur to me that I was suffering from a mental illness. I mean, it was just all too real.
That all changed after I committed a crime that led me to being found incompetent to stand trial. And then "Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity".
I was diagnosed as Schizophrenic. Prescribed medication. Sent to a State Mental Hospital.
Did my time. Was found suitable for release. And for the past 4 1/2 years have been under the supervision of a program that monitors my well being.
Haven't had any symptoms in over 7 years.
And now it's time to move on.
But getting released from this program involves getting my sanity restored by the courts. That takes the program's recommendation, which isn't easy to get. I've had to prove my sanity and that I won't be a threat in the future. And not to be overly cynical, but nobody really wants to sign off on a "crazy" person and say they have recovered (their mental illness in long-term, if not permanent remission). Not the clinicians at the program, the District Attorney, the Judge... or a jury of my peers if it comes to that.
It's tough. But things are looking up. I'm in the process of getting the necessary recommendations and paperwork filed and I hope that my sanity will be restored soon.
Started hearing voices. Developed elaborate conspiracy theories explaining such voices. Went down "the rabbit hole" as I call it, finding all sorts of stuff on the internet that seemingly corroborated what I had thought up in my mind.
Never once did it occur to me that I was suffering from a mental illness. I mean, it was just all too real.
That all changed after I committed a crime that led me to being found incompetent to stand trial. And then "Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity".
I was diagnosed as Schizophrenic. Prescribed medication. Sent to a State Mental Hospital.
Did my time. Was found suitable for release. And for the past 4 1/2 years have been under the supervision of a program that monitors my well being.
Haven't had any symptoms in over 7 years.
And now it's time to move on.
But getting released from this program involves getting my sanity restored by the courts. That takes the program's recommendation, which isn't easy to get. I've had to prove my sanity and that I won't be a threat in the future. And not to be overly cynical, but nobody really wants to sign off on a "crazy" person and say they have recovered (their mental illness in long-term, if not permanent remission). Not the clinicians at the program, the District Attorney, the Judge... or a jury of my peers if it comes to that.
It's tough. But things are looking up. I'm in the process of getting the necessary recommendations and paperwork filed and I hope that my sanity will be restored soon.
56-60, M
