Our Stories

D.T’s Story on Finding Himself

How did it all start? When did you first start experiencing symptoms or using?

It all started to the beginning day of acceptance. I acknowledged there was something different from me than a normal person. Things were hard for me to manage and when explaining myself, I would get lost in translation. My parents put me through a rehab program for my drug use. Through that process of rehab, I was doing my own self-discovery.

I thought that I was different in so many ways. I felt like human being but there was a blockage for information to get through and out when talking or doing something. My beliefs were all wrong. I thought that I could be that small percentage of being different than others. But realized there are with similar diagnosis that also struggle through the similar difficulties. We all have our own strengths and weakness. Mine was comprehension and focus.

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

I got help by going to Rehab and grasping hold of a better understanding. I tried identifying my faults in order to balance myself back into reality. I sought professional help from the doctor who helped me understand my bi-polar and thought disorder. I didn’t identify these struggles until inducing marijuana to help me relax and do things out of the norm.

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

There were turning points when dealing with substance abuse that negatively impacted my life. I tried staying positive and working on my own internal self but it was when triggers started to activate that brought me back to doing all the wrong things. The norms for me are unusual and that what I was used to. But I got better.

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

Life for me now is manageable. I am learning how to be a respectful and most affective civilian that I could truly be. I started to exercise the human mind as well as keeping in shape to have a healthier life and I didn’t give up! By trying you are doing half the work.

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

Change is a definite. The amount of time you put in reflects on your own attributes.