Recovery Is Possible
Hi, my name is Chris Esposito and I have experience with mental illness. My condition came on late in life, in my 40’s. Up until that point, I had been an exemplary student (valedictorian), superstar professional at a Big 4 accounting firm (making partner in 10 years) and otherwise exemplary family man. In my mid-40’s, I began to experience symptoms of mental illness, including delusional thinking, paranoia, mania, depression among other things. I was admitted to mental health facilities for several incidents. My diagnosis was uncertain. At first, I was diagnosed as schizophrenic which was troubling in and of itself. I battled alcoholism during the same period which exacerbated my condition. I became extremely depressed over a period of 4 or 5 years and had suicidal thoughts during that period. I would have started the car in my garage with the door closed. That was how I had envisioned ending my life. Initially, the only thing that saved me was hormone therapy (testosterone). I had been in invega, wellbutrin, latuda (along with the TD), and ultimately found consistency with invega. Eventually, after reducing my alcohol intake dramatically (although not quitting entirely), I was able to come off invega and only use it on a maintenance basis when I feel my symptoms. I had gained significant weight between the drugs and alcohol, along with poor eating habits. When I reduced my alcohol intake, I was able to lose weight and coming off the invega also helped. I subscribed to Noom and with their psychological treatments and weight loss philosophy, the weight melted off. I am 50 pounds lighter today and in good physical and mental health. I count my blessings every day. I want to provide hope to all who feel hopeless. Recovery is possible.
