"Why does it take so long?," asked Beth who was in Sr. Anne's office five days later discussing medication.
" For the medication to work?," asked Sr. Anne.
" Yes!"
" Well, not everyone's reaction to medication is the same. Treatment is not the same for everyone. It can take up to a few weeks for the type of medication you are on to act effectively. It's been awhile since your body had this in you."
" But it works?"
" Since I'm also your psychiatrist at the clinic, I think what you are taking again is best for you,out of all you've tried."
" But I stopped it. I don't quite remember why."
" You were doing well on the medication and probably wanted to see if you could do without."
" I went against your orders. You are so wise and such a role model. I used to want to be a Sister when I was a little girl."
" I'm not mad at you. I'm not going to shame you or judge you. As someone who cares for the well being of her patients, I want you to get better."
" I just understood how sick I was yesterday."
"That's good Beth. I know this must be hard to think about, but I want to schedule a meeting with your team about discharge."
" But,sometimes I feel paranoid and still hear the voices."
" I think coming to a program here during the day, working on skills you need to live well with your illness would help. It will get better."
" I've been a horrible daughter."
" Beth, you are recovering from an illness. In your mind at the time your actions were logical."
" I guess. I usually get depressed after an episode, don't I?"
" You have, yes. Lots of people do. I know it's not pleasant and you can try some coping strategies with depression too."
" It felt so weird when it clicked yesterday. I saw someone talking to someone I couldn't see. My mother said their brain wasn't working well and had trouble perceiving reality. It was called Psychosis. Then I thought, wait is what Dr. Brown said in therapy actually true about me? Was the reason God was talking less and the reason I trusted more people, not because God had abandoned me, but he wasn't the voice I heard? I asked my nurse if I was sick and she confirmed what I was told before. I have Schizophrenia."
" Yes, Beth, you do."
" I remember before, my other episodes, hospitalizations. This one was such a positive delusion. I didn't want it to end."
" I understand, but you almost hurt yourself. You needed treatment and it's very important that you continue treatment."
" Thanks for all you do. You are the best psychiatrist I've ever had. I like that you are a Sister. It's very comforting."
" Thank you. I'll let your nurse know when your discharge planning meeting is scheduled."
" I hope my parents help me recover."
" I think they will. We'll be talking about that tomorrow. Your social worker will help you plan for the future."
" Good. I'm kind of scared."
" That's very natural,Beth. Well, I have a meeting to get you. I'll see you later."
" Ok, your sister should be coming to visit me soon. She said I can call her Diana."
" I'm glad you have a good friend to help you through this. I'd say that even if it wasn't Diana. Everyone needs a friend."
" Bye."
" I'll see you tomorrow Beth."
" Yes." What an exhausting and busy 24 hours thought Beth. She was pleased to see Diana when she left Dr. McCoy's office.
" Diana, I have news, I'm not sure if I think it's good or scary."
" What is it, Beth?"
" I think I can leave here soon. I'm going to have a meeting tomorrow."
" That's good Beth, very good news. Let's go to our favorite corner."
" You were here with my mom, yesterday, right?"
" I was, that was difficult wasn't it?"
" I forgot what it feels like, understanding being sick."
" I was only in your position about a month ago, telling my friend the same thing."
" Here, you mean?"
" Yes."
" Oh, do you feel better?"
" Yes, but life is still hard. You'll get help."
" Will you still help?"
" Yes, but I think now your family and others will be more involved. I need to take care of myself too. I still get help sometimes too."
" Oh, we can visit?"
" Yes, like now."
" Do you still use coping skills, therapy and medication?"
" I do."
" You.. you saved me when you were still sick?"
" It was difficult, but I was better and had to,my dear."
"My apartment was…"
" Your parents and aunt have cleaned it. They will help you go through the mail, get groceries, all of that. They told me just to be here for you as a friend."
" What if I don't want an apartment anymore?"
" You can talk about all that later. Don't be afraid. Everyone here and your parents will help."
" I trust you and I think God is still here."
" So do I,my friend. You have a good evening, ok."
" I'll try."
" Good." They gave each other a warm hug and felt strength and hope.
