My schizophrenia developed when i was about 6 or 7. I kept it to myself until i was 13 i tried to tell my dad who doesn’t have any mental illness “dad i keep hearing voices they tell me i’m useless. that the world would be better off without me" and he said “your to old for an imaginary friend grow the f*** up.” I work hard to fight it. Some days are harder then others to cope. I have self harmed,drank,smoked tobacco and stayed in abusive relationships all to feel like i belong like i’m a real person who deserves my life. Even with my family all i have ever felt is like i’m an outsider looking in. The only advice i can give is never give in to the illness keep fighting.