BIO

PATRICK J. SCHNERCH

Patrick Schnerch was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. At the age of twelve, he was diagnosed with manic depression/schizophrenia. This diagnosis was kept secret from the author. He struggled through his teenage years with problem behaviour which went unchecked for years.

In his early twenties he attempted suicide and lost his job. Around that time Schnerch was drinking very heavily as well. It was then that he found out he had bipolar disorder. His behaviour worsened and became uncontrollable. For the next twenty years, his life plummeted.

Schnerch was about to lose everything he had worked so hard for, when he first started getting help. It took five years and two attempts at a detox centre to finally conquer his demons. He has also been properly treated for his mental condition and has gone full circle in accepting his past.

He now is living happily with his wife and extended family of a cat and dog on the West Coast of Canada. He is currently active in the community helping others with similar conditions. Schnerch prides himself as an advocate for others like him. He promotes and distributes material on this subject to the public in hopes of reducing discrimination and stigmatism.

 

 

Today

Schnerch is currently working on a new book about how mental illness and addiction affect society.

He is now researching information  from people who feel comfortable in sharing their story or experience. You may contact him by e-mail.

His Goals

 

Patrick’s main purpose in life is to provide awareness to those who are not literate about mental illness and addiction. He hopes that through his writing that people will no longer be afraid of these conditions.

Secondly, he wants to connect with others who live with similar conditions to provide hope that the grass is greener on the other side. No matter what the situation, happiness and contentment is there if you want it bad enough.

Finally, Schnerch wishes to educate caregivers and loved ones of what it is like to live under these circumstances. By informing them of why the inflicted behave in the manner they do, they will gain a understanding that they never had.

 

 

 

 

The Other Side of The Tracks

Mental Illness And Addiction Recovery Success Stories