I was first diagnosed with a mental illness in 1988.  My recovery process started in 2004.  I went through denial for years and I really didn‘t know what to do.  I‘ve been in several hospitals and outpatient programs for several years.  When I was released from prison, after 7 years, I had no place to live.  The ACT Team-Umoja started helping me the day after I was released.  Their unique program has helped me tremendously.  My last hospital stay was in 2004.  Without their support and helping to create a good support team it would have been difficult to survive.

Currently I‘ve been stable for 4 years.  I would also like to say that I have not self abused myself in 4 years.  My thoughts are clearer. Before treatment, I used to pray to God to let me die.  If I heard of a murder, drive by killing, snipers, a deadly disease I wished it was me.  BUT, Now I don‘t want to die. My goal is to live until I am 105 years old!

I currently have a nice home.  I have a good support system.  I‘m not afraid of talking with others.  I‘ve learned to be more assertive.  My friends and family call me a social bug. I never thought this day would come.

Mental illness is not to be taken lightly and it is not something to be embarrassed about.  Thank You Adult and Child and most of all my ACT Team.