Success Stories

The following are a few of the stories we've received from people who have gotten help for psychosis and wanted to share their success!

Debbie's Story

I had always been a very active, social person. I had a lot of friends, and I was into soccer and music. About halfway through my senior year in high school I started to notice things that were weird. I would hear voices talking about me when nobody else was around. It was hard to focus on my work.

I started to think there were Nazis everywhere, and that there was a conspiracy. I thought my mom was trying to poison me. I was so scared I just tried to avoid everybody. My friends kept telling me there was something wrong, that I needed some help. My mom and them introduced me to a counselor from EAST. It was hard to trust anybody, but I knew there was something wrong. I decided to try medicine, and it helped. The voices stopped and I could hardly believe I had thought people were trying to hurt me. Sometimes when things are stressful or if I get sick I still have a relapse. I have to watch my early warning signs, like sleep problems and noticing that colors are getting more intense. I just call the doctor if those things happen, and we keep things under control. I’m in college now, and I’m going into business. I’ve got lots of friends again, and I’m doing well in classes. Last summer I went to Europe on my own. So I guess I’d tell people, don’t try to manage this on your own. You can do it, but you need help. And listen to the people you trust.

Peter's Story

When I was referred to EAST I thought it was because my parents were mad at me. But it surprised me. The people I met from EAST really listened to what I wanted and encouraged me. It was hard work, but I tried to make good choices and they really supported me. It was a step-by-step process (two steps forward, one step back), and it took a long time, but I’m living on my own again and I started my own small business. My family got a lot more educated and they’re off my back for the most part. The fact is, I almost lost everything. I thought things were real when they weren’t, and it was all a big secret. I didn’t tell anybody. Now I’ve learned a lot and I see things much more clearly. I feel good about what I’ve done. I made my own choices each step of the way. I’m stronger now because of what I’ve experienced, and I like to share what I’ve learned with other people.