Finding the Light: John's Story
Many of the people we serve in our programs have mental health challenges, yet they have thrived and found their way to health, happiness and housing.
We spoke to our guest John about his experiences with homelessness and mental illness, sharing his story in honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4-10). We’re joining NAMI and other organizations across the U.S. in raising awareness and fighting mental health stigma.
This year’s theme is “What People with Mental Illness Want You to Know.”
Here’s John’s story.
When John first arrived at the Torres Shelter in September 2019, he’d fallen on very difficult, dark times in his life. He experienced homelessness for several years and struggled with addiction and multiple undiagnosed mental illnesses. He fell into a pit of despair and attempted suicide. Then, he was hospitalized and entered psychiatric care.
This past year, however, ended up being one of the best he’s had in awhile. John’s journey to health and stability took off once he came to the shelter. He benefited from Alcoholics Anonymous groups and art therapy projects there. He connected with his Torres Shelter case manager and he prioritized his health and sobriety.
“The Torres Shelter was there when I needed them,” he said.
This May, he moved into one of True North’s transitional homes. He has clarity around his mental health struggles now, which started when he was in junior high school. John was diagnosed with severe depression with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. He has been in therapy for a year and benefits greatly from weekly sessions.
“I’ve been doing really well now. I’m not homeless anymore and I’m in housing, and I’m healthy and I feel happy and I’m just waiting for my next step.”
“I do feel very grateful to be here,” he continued. “This is a stepping stone.”
What John Wants You To Know:
“It’s OK to get help. And it’s good to get help. It doesn’t mean you’re crazy, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means you need a little bit of help. And that’s OK. You want to be healthy, mentally and physically, that’s the goal.