Justin’s Story: Finding A Partner For The Journey Of Recovery who care about how they are (NAPSA)—Justin McKinley thought he washoldingit together, doing—both in recovery andin their even as he battled delusional personallives,” hesays. thoughts and paranoia. In 2009, he Justin and Rico have worked was diagnosed with schizophrenia, together to make decisions about but Justin had a difficult time Justin’s recovery, such as choosing a accepting his condition—he was long-acting injectable (LAT) medicadepressed, angry and didn't want to tion to treat Justin’s symptoms. listento his family, friends and docThis conversation was then brought tor, or take his medication. to Justin’ psychiatrist, who agreed “There was just a lot of turmoil to review the risks and potential going on in my life,” recalls Justin, benefits with Justin. 98, who hadleft college and had “Patients and their health care become homeless. His life had hit providers should havea dialogue to rock bottom. choose—together—the best treatJustin, who is known to family Justin McKinley, 28, was diag- mentplan. I've heard from some andfriendsasa jokester with a con- nosed with schizophrenia in 2009. patients that they hadn’t been tagious laugh, loves to express his offered certain treatmentoptions or imagination and creativity through supervisor. He currently works as weren't given a choice in the decitheclinical assistant to the medical sion—that wasthe case for Justin,” art and music. Heespecially valueshis friend- director at Birmingham's Jefferson- Rico says. “It is so important for ships and is grateful that his Blount-St. Clair Mental Health patients to talk to their health care friends stayed by his side even Authority in Alabama, where he providers to learn aboutall availwhenhis illness interfered with educates patients and caregivers on able treatment optionsandfind the doing the things they all enjoyed, symptom management, medication, onethat is right for them.” such as playing video games, shop- recovery and community resources. Their relationship has enabled Fredrico, who goes by Rico, met Justin to becomeanactive participing, and making music. After his diagnosis, his friends Justin four years ago through a pantin his journey of recovery and noticed that Justin was not himself homeless services program. Over to accept his diagnosis. Since meetwhenhedidn't take his medication time and as result of Rico's warm ing Rico, Justin says he is happier and had a heart-to-heart talk with and open demeanor, Rico became a and takes comfort in knowing somehim. They wereafraid thatif he did key memberof Justin's treatment. one is rooting for his progress, not seek help, their relationship team. understands his struggles and would deteriorate. This frank conJustin says of his nurse, “He's won't judge him onthose days when versation helped Justin come to very down-to-earth and caring. I hefeels he has comeupshort. termswith his diagnosis and recog- feel lucky to have been introduced For more information on nize the importance offollowing his to Rico. People with schizophre- Justin’s story, visit www.Treat doctor’s orders. nia don’t always have a health OnceMonthly.com. Thesite also Today, Justin lives indepen- care provider who sees them as provides resources for individuals dently. And while his friends have more than a patient or whotalks living with schizophrenia to help made a huge difference in his jour- about more than medication or them understand treatment ney of recovery, so, too, has his symptoms.” options and choose a medication nurse. Rico sees himself “as a that is right for them with the Fredrico James, RN,is certified cheerleader.” help of a health care professional. in crisis intervention and prevenJanssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., “[ believe Justin andall patients tion and as a medication assistant should know that there are people provided the content for this article.
