"I am Natalie Green, and I have always suffered with mental health problems via extreme schizophrenia. I was in hospital for about 2 months, then followed up by outpatient appointments for a number of years, and discharged back in 2008. However I recently had problems, so went for a referral in February this year. I had been discharged originally having always been stable and very well for a long long time, though I still today have the odd tendency to be suffering with hearing voices, Paranoia, and Anxiety, all mixed up.    
 
My recovery started after discharge. I always start the day with a workout, in the form of Aerobics, check upon my emails and follow them up where needed. I am on call for volunteering and in fact, I have just learned that I have a voluntary role coming up after my holiday for a Data Entry position. I am looking forward immensely to that.

I've had a befriender for 4 or 5 years and I live with my parents and my brother. Through the day - from morning, during the afternoon and towards mid-evening - I also do my knitting with my walkman on. I always listen to suitable music, music of my own choice and carefully selected. If I have a bad gliche and I have a series of hearing voices come up, when convenient, I'll go straight into working out in aerobics mode, then switch to knitting with the walkman on, or check my email inboxes until I have gradually recovered. 

I feel that mental and physical health are important to me, so for many years I have had a strong interest in Aerobics and now Zumba, to keep me en par. I am in a position where I can't do paid work but I monitor emails for volunteering, Zumba, and the befriending, and I always like to keep active at home.
 
When I can, I do have a respite care holiday break only that has been thin on the ground unfortunately. As my last place closed down, it's extremely difficult to find somewhere suitable for mental health purposes, and to ensure that the staff are highly qualified. Also, I have to fit in as well.
 
Long may it continue that I always remain recovering very well and stable through self-help management techniques. However, if you get in a difficult rut on the very odd occasion like myself, please do seek professional help.  I just happen to be a very well character stablised through medication."
 
June 2012