Patrick Schnerch

Patrick Schnerch was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Within the year, he was being raised by a loving aunt and uncle. It was there that he was taught to be moral and loving. For twelve years the author lived there until his father and new bride took back custody of the boy. This trauma manifested the first signs of mental illness which was later diagnosed as bipolar disorder/schizophrenia. The illness progressed rapidly into uncontrolled behavior. The author then was removed from his father's care and put in a foster home. The child met trauma again sending his life into a darkened abyss. Not being treated for his illness during this time, his behaviour and character were becoming threatening to himself and others. To keep himself in controlled state, he used alcohol and self mutilation to calm the beast. The alcohol soon became his way to stay sane since he was not being treated properly. The author then became addicted. In his early twenties while being employed in the army, he had his first suicide attempt and diagnosis. The treatment was not working effectively and was medically discharged. Decades of improper treatment continued. Patrick suffered from bouts of depression, manias, disassociation, psychosis and alcoholism and was hospitalized several times. This was a tremendous strain on his wife who stood by his side during all of this. In his late thirties, Patrick went through a nine month state of psychosis where he thought he was a messenger of God. He believed he was to write the Third Testament. This was the first time that he had ever written anything other than a letter. It was believed that his work was required to penetrate the sickened minds of today's society. At the same time symptoms of sexually hyper behaviour was progressing into dangerous proportions. Finally, a doctor recognized the proper diagnosis and prescribed an anti-psychotic drug. The very next day, the writings and dangerous behaviour stopped and has been fine ever since. This did not cure all the problems for he was still experiencing bipolar symptoms, but his dangerous behaviour was controlled. By this time, his alcoholism was out of control causing severe problems. After years of trying to control it, he was faced with an ultimatum. He would lose everything if he didn't stop drinking. He then went into detox and a residential stabilization unit for five weeks of treatment. While being clean, old symptoms of the illness that were controlled by heavy alcohol abuse resurfaced. This was recognized and another anti-psychotic was added to the cocktail of medication. Today, Patrick is mentally stable and alcohol free. He will be celebrating his 25th Wedding anniversary in February of this year. He has now found happiness and freedom. He was also emotionally healed by writing this book. He has made peace with himself and has gone full circle. Patrick is now an advocate for others who have similar conditions and uses his writings as instrument to educate society of the unknown. maniamonster@shaw.ca

Patrick Schnerch is the author of these published works:   The Peaceful Warrior: Memoirs of a Damaged Mind and Soul Adrian (crime novel) Articles in VISIONS – BC’s Mental Health and Addictions Journal: Stigma and Discrimination (I Want a Little Respect.) Suicide (Inside My Suicidal Mind.) Alcohol (Me and Detox)

Visit Patrick at: www.westcoastliteraryproductions.com