teenager

Story topics: artist, hope, son, teenager

My son too is an artist, a very talented musician who lost the ability to remember chords when his illness began about age 16.  Not understanding his illness, his mother had him arrested and put in jail.  Two years ago I brought him to live with me.  He has been diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder--he hears voices, has delusions and a mood disorder.

None of the medications helped my son.  He developed a swallowing disorder from one of them, so I took him off it and started him on another regimen three months ago.  He says he feels better, sleeps less, has become a gourmet, fat-free cook, but still can't play his guitar.

To the Cadigan family, I say thank-you for the courage, for the tenacity and for the love.  You all give me much hope.

- a father in North Carolina
Story topics: inspirational, step-son, teenager

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. 

- a father in Chicago
Story topics: self, teenager

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.

- high school student