Personal Stories
Personal stories highlight the experiences of people just like you. You’ll find stories from people who experience mental health or substance use problems, people who support a loved one, and people who work in mental health or substance use fields. They share their own experiences and perspectives, and describe their personal journeys to understanding, health and well-being.
Personal stories highlight hope and well-being, not treatment advice. Check out the Self-Help Resources section of this site for info sheet and workbooks, and talk to your doctor or health care provider to discuss treatment options that might be a good fit for you.
Search found 7 items
Sort by
-
My Brother's Nightmare
Coming to terms with learning to manage hallucinations MC Wong Reprinted from "Self-Management" issue of Visions Journal, 2003, 1(18), pp. 17-18 People who cannot distinguish reality from illusion may be worse off than those who are terminally i ...
read more -
Amrik's Bout with Schizophrenia
Margaret Little Reprinted from "Treatments" issue of Visions Journal, 2006, 3(1), pp. 14-15 In 2003, at the age of 22, Amrik* had just graduated from a US university with a Computer Engineering degree. He was a normal, well-adjusted young gradua ...
read more -
A Conversation Between a Mother and Son
Annie and Scott* Reprinted from "First Responders for Young People" issue of Visions Journal, 2006, 3(2), pp. 17-18 Annie: It took me a long time to understand that Scott was struggling with getting by. I had moved to Edmonton to attend universi ...
read more -
Nurturing the Fire
My life with schizophrenia Punkaj Bhushan Reprinted from Storm Breaking, 2002, pp. 64-68, CMHA BC Division I have gone through difficult times like many of you. In my story, I am going to write about my past, my illness, the lessons I have learned and my ...
read more -
Too Proud to Ask for Help
And not knowing when to ask Ian Chovil Reprinted from "Men" issue of Visions Journal, 2005, 2(5), p. 26 I had an insidious onset of schizophrenia that progressed for nine years. It was so gradual that I lost all my human relationships without an ...
read more -
My Portfolio of Support
Ian Chovil Reprinted from "Social Support" issue of Visions Journal 2011, 6 (4), p. 14 In the beginning My onset of schizophrenia was what is called “insidious,” meaning a gradual onset of symptoms. For me, this occurred from ages 17 to 25 (betw ...
read more -
Self-Management of Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Dana* Reprinted from "Self-Management" issue of Visions Journal, 2003, 1 (18), pp. 18-19 To some it might sound like an oxymoron, but many believe it possible that people with schizophrenia can manage this illness in a way that will enable them ...
read more