Pascal K.
Samia Shahnawaz
Pascal chose not to submit a photo. We respect the rights of patients to preserve their privacy.
I was around 30 years old when I started having auditory hallucinations. At first I kept to myself and did not tell anyone, since I thought it would abate. At that time, I was studying in Canada, but noticed that I wasn’t able to focus my mind and my thoughts were drifting away. Because of the symptoms, I had to shorten my studies and take different medications which made my situation even worse. I became suicidal and needed some assistance. I had to come back to the States to live with my parents. At first the medication were detrimental to my psychological well being. The psychiatrist tried different medications until a suitable medication and dosage was found. In retrospect, it was the help and assistance of my family which help me go through the ordeal. Yet, it is very painful for me to recollect those moments and I do not have a clear memory of what I went through due to the effect of the medications.
“In retrospect, it was the help and assistance of my family which help me go through the ordeal.”
My advice to others is to hang on. After every thunder and rain, sunshine will appear. The higher you fly. the greater is the fall.
“I have a long life life ahead of me and hope to master that art before my death.”
Some of my hobbies and interests include: Origami, Programming, Poetry, Ney Playing, Archery, Air Pistol shooting, Fighter Kites and Quantum Mechanics. Before my illness showed its ugly face, I was an avid paper folder. When my illness started, because of the medications, my hands were shaking and I was very restless and I could not fold. Today, I have become a creative folder and have created several airplane models which fly. Before my illness, I was more geared towards Math and Science (Programming and Quantum Mechanics). Incidentally, the implications of Quantum Mechanics and Zen way of life has always fascinated me. Now, I am a more rounded person and enjoy reading poetry with my aging father. I have also written two modern poetry books, which I hope to publish if God wills it. As for my other hobbies ( Air Pistol Shooting, Fighter Kites and Archery) they helped me regain my concentration and focus. It was a long road but I finally made it. Because of my auditory hallucinations, I often listen to a lot of music, specially before going to sleep. I have taken upon myself to learn how to play the Ney. I have a long life life ahead of me and hope to master that art before my death.