“There is a light at the end of the tunnel”: Mark’s Story

The history of 1st Step is filled with stories of hope and inspiration. The following is a story from a past 1st Step participant:

My experience with depression and psychosis is long and complicated, so I will not get into the details as everyone has a different story. However, what I can do is offer advice for those who are experiencing a difficult time in their lives as I did for 16 months. As much as you might not believe it at times, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, [even if] when you are in the darkness, it feels as if there is no light and no hope.

If I can give any kind of advice, it is this: you will get through it. I never believed I would, [but] everyone around me believed, and sure enough, like the sun piercing through the clouds after a thunderstorm, it was over. The sun came out and has been shining ever since!

“If I can give any kind of advice, it is this: you will get through it.“

For me, the depression/psychosis was so severe that I felt that nobody could help. What 1st Step did was offer me an outlet. They offered a person who cared, a person who listened and genuinely wanted to help. Although I was experiencing a great deal of mental/emotional pain, I always felt better when a member of the staff would take the time every two weeks or so to come over to my house or go out for a coffee and talk. It was evident they were doing everything in their power to change my current situation.

They are also a very valuable resource for help. They are well connected with various programs that exist for all types of situations.

“[1st Step] offered a person who cared, a person who listened and genuinely wanted to help.”

1st Step is unique in the sense that it is up to the individual to indicate how long they want to remain connected with the organization. If at any point you feel as if they are not helping, you can “fire” them. What kept me from firing them was the realization that they really do care about each and every individual under their care. Some organizations I dealt with seemed robotic. It seemed like they were just going through the motions, as that is what they were getting paid to do. With 1st Step, you will find that a human connection exists beyond being a patient/client. They will become a friend you can rely on, and ultimately, the light at the end of the tunnel that I was desperately seeking.