THE WAY IT COULD BE – Age Thirty Four

After the police took me to the hospital, I was only there for a short period until my
symptoms stabilized. The hospital arranged for my case considered by the Court Diversion
program and re-connected me with my case manager; no criminal charges were laid. My
psychiatrist and the psychiatric hospital team in the city decided I would benefit from a
referral to an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team there. They arranged for me to
move into supportive housing right there in the city where I had ready access to the outreach
services of the Team and hospital and still be only a short bus ride away from my family and
friends in my home town.
My symptoms stayed under pretty good control. I continued to live in the city. A little while
after I recovered from my last episode I volunteered to work in a consumer initiative
program. The rules had been changed so I was able to retain my OSDP benefits while
working as a volunteer I did such a good job, before very long I was offered a position as a
member of the staff. I continued to work there regularly. Knowing that I was capable of
doing useful work to support myself was the best treatment of all for my mental illness.
Being independent is a great confidence-booster and when I am confident I can cope very
well with my illness.
After a while I decided to leave supportive housing and get my own apartment. I thought
about going home but with the encouragement of the ACT Team I decided to remain in the
city where I could enroll, part-time, in the early childhood education program at the college
there. It was great to be able to pursue my interest in children and I found out that I was a
pretty good teacher. With the ACT Team helping me over the rough spots, I completed the
course, and graduated.
I really felt well and, with my diploma in hand, I decided to move back home to be near my
family and more of the friends I grew up with. I didn’t need the ACT Team any more but
they referred me to a case management service in my home town where I could get ongoing
support when I needed it.