Our Stories

Claire’s Recovery Story , Age: 21

What have you struggled with? When did it become too much?

The day I chose recovery was the day I chose life. It certainly wasn’t the easy way out, but the one choice worth fighting for. Each day I wake up with hope for the new day, knowing that I have so much to live for each day. Knowing that gives me the strength to survive another meal, another awkward conversation, or another glance in the mirror. Everyone has their struggles, but it’s how we handle them that builds our character and our future. Because the more we fight, the more positive vibes we send out, the better our lives will be. And soon it will shape into something new and amazing out of your wildest dreams.

What kind of support did you get at first? Did it work?

You have to be willing to receive support as much as you wanting it. Because there are all different variations and you need to know how to take some with a grain of salt and some whole heartedly. It’s hard when you’re first reaching out to decide which advice to take. That’s why, if I got the chance to start all over, I would’ve listened to my mother more and my doctor’s less. That’s also why I went through so many treatment centers and therapists and such. Finding the right mixture of therapy, advice, and medication for someone with my certain specifications was not an easy task.

Were there any turning points where things really started to change for the better?

I have had about 7 turning points since I was diagnosed, and about 11 hospitalizations. Those go hand in hand for sure. It wasn’t until my recent stint that I reached an all time achievement of success. That doesn’t look the same for everyone because everyone has different family dynamics, different goals, and different treatment plans. That also doesn’t mean being happy all of the time. It just means that you are meeting your needs in the best way that you can, using the skills you were taught.

What’s your life like now? What have you been able to accomplish, and what are you working towards?

My life is pretty amazing. Of course being the downer that I am, I will never see how far I have come. I didn’t get kicked out of my parent’s house which is a pretty big one for me. Sometimes I have two jobs but right now I am working one full time job. I have so many good comrades, whether they be co-workers, friends, strangers, or family. There is much less red in my ledger. I still have a long way to go, but I am optimistic about my future and I think that’s all anyone can ask for.

What would you say to people who are having a tough time? What’s helped you that you wish you had known earlier

You don’t need to disclose to anyone about any mental or psychical setbacks you may have. The beauty of it is that on best days, people have little screw ups just like us and even though most of our mind is wired differently from others, there is a little that is wired the same. And that little same is what you have to remember and hone in on and once you see the commonalities and imperfections are what make us human and are what bring people to together instead of apart, the easier it will be to see the diamond in the rough.