Stepping Up: A Journey to Recovery

The following first-person account was submitted to Mental Health America's realLIVES project, a new online initiative that invites people who struggle with mental illnesses to break the silence, bust the stigma and share their stories. realLIVES stories will be posted to our Web site this soon. Visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/reallives/

by David in New York

I was 17 when I had my first symptoms. I’m now 44.

I was diagnosed schizophrenic with acute differentiation. About three years ago I was diagnosed schizoaffective. My second hospitalization lasted 11 months in a state-run facility. I’ve been on several different medications and had several hospital stays.

I’m married to a wonderful woman who supports me during my funky periods. I had a good job working for the State and was able to retire early. I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never had any problems finding treatment.

I’m also a recovering alcoholic of 18 years. I gave up smoking 16 years ago. Just over a year ago, I began to speak out. I volunteer as a speaker for the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier in Binghamton, New York.

During my hospital stays I was lucky to have caring individuals helping me cope with my situation. They went above and beyond their jobs, and they taught and pushed me when I needed it most.

My diagnosis (I say diagnosis because illness means I’m sick) doesn’t define who I am. It’s only a small part of me. My goal, my passion is to become an advocate for people with mental illnesses— to give voice to those who can’t speak out. I want to give back what was given to me.

One of my favorite sayings is, “A journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step.” I’m stepping up.