Linda Rosenberg is the president and CEO of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. TNC specializes in the treatment of addiction disorders and mental illnesses across the country. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness but treated and overcome. Lean more at http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/.
It has been an incredibly long and painful journey for "Nicholas," 21, and his family, but today Nicholas is living proof that with the right treatment and support, it is possible to recover from a crippling mental illness, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
Although Nicholas most recently has been seen at Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network as an outpatient since the spring of 2005, his struggles with what ultimately would be diagnosed as a severe form of schizophrenia began in high school. With trouble escalating at school and home during his sophomore year, it was clear something was terribly wrong with Nicholas, who had been a straight-A student. It was the beginning of a journey that would result in periodic months'-long hospitalizations for Nicholas in no less than six different facilities across the Denver metro area.
The disturbing memories that shadow that path bear witness to the severity of his illness.
"I believed I was Jesus at one point," he adds, shaking his head. There were times when Nicholas was hospitalized that he had to be placed in a locked room because he was so out of control. His bizarre behavior included trying to eat cereal with a toothbrush. And there were days that he was sure "Elizabeth" wasn't his real mother. Even so, she came to see him all the time, refusing to give up hope.
Nicholas was lucky to have the unwavering support of his mother and 15-year-old sister. Nicholas' closest friends are now his mother and sister, whom he credits for helping make his recovery possible.
Because he also faced issues with substance abuse, Nicholas was referred to ADMHN's Aquarius Center, which effectively treats adults challenged by chemical dependency and mental illness. "Nicholas is doing extremely well," says his clinical case manager. "I've seen him really mature during the time we've worked together. He is determined to get his life back on track."
Nicholas' active partnership in his recovery combined with his personal strengths and resolute spirit has made this success possible. He is diligent about taking his medications and remains drug-free.
He is looking forward to resuming his studies and meeting new friends at Arapahoe Community College in the spring and eventually hopes to transfer to a four-year school to finish his degree, possibly in criminal justice.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Senior Depression - Mental Health Services in Long-Term Care Facilitie
- Senior Depression - Mental Health Services in Long-Term Care Facilities
- Mental Health and Self Improvement From Sukbinder Singh
- Seniors Mental Health & Depression
- InSHAPE New Hampshire: Promoting Mental Health Wellness, Saving Lives
- Tips to Recover From Your Mental Health
- Mental Health Disorder Information
- Mental Health Conditions Affect All Ages
Techniques on How you can Control Panic Attacks
By: Marsha Haworth | 17/12/2009Mild panic attacks can be controlled, but a severe attack would be impossible to control. How do you keep these attacks from recurring? You can try staying away from places that you have been stricken at before. In some cases those places may trigger feelings of an unpleasant experience. For better control, understanding the condition and learning the symptoms will serve as your warning. Using techniques to control your attacks is the best thing to do.
Anger Management for Kids
By: Myhealthmd.com | 17/12/2009Kids are normally forthcoming with regards to sharing feelings and emotions. A kid may be burdened with feelings of pain and guilt but you would never learn it from a conversation. A child's feelings are usually display in the behavior. When a child is sad they may keep to themselves or have little to say. When a child feels guilty they may avoid people and stay in their room.
Anger Management Activities are Recommended
By: Myhealthmd.com | 17/12/2009Dealing with anger and its repercussions can be very challenging. Unaware of how to handle irritating and stressful situations may be a reason for many fits of anger and rage. Most people, with the exception of young children perhaps, recognize their problem with uncontrollable anger. Although there are many anger management activities which would enable them to better cope with confrontational situations, some people are uneducated regarding these techniques and activities.
Anxiety-Finding a Hobby You are Passionate About Can Help
By: Gerald Hunt | 17/12/2009This article is all about finding a passion and sticking with it to help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety attacks in people who suffer from anxiety disorders like panic attacks.
Adopting Anger Management Skills that Work
By: Myhealthmd.com | 17/12/2009There are many, many positive techniques and skills related to anger management. Since anger management seems to affect so many people in society, it is imperative to design and create techniques, teach skills, provide counseling and provide appropriate care and support. Since anger issues affect individuals from childhood to adulthood, obviously it is necessary to teach anger management skills that work for every age group.
4 Goals for Expanding the Mental Health Care Policy for Children and Youth
By: Linda Rosenberg | 17/12/2009Efforts for health care reform must have a keen focus on the unique needs and requirements of children as policy decisions are made.
What Helps With ADHD - Treatments That Help Relieve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
By: Laura Ramirez | 17/12/2009If you're wondering, "How can I get help for my ADHD?" you should know that there are a number of treatment options. In this article, you'll learn about the treatments, including prescription medicines, natural remedies, behavioral techniques and dietary changes.
Findings Say Toxins May Be Linked To Depression
By: Louis Steiner | 17/12/2009Americans end up spending billions of dollars on ineffectual and harmful pharmaceutical drugs each year to supposedly deal with the problem of depression. Yet despite the use of these drugs, why are depression rates still rising?
Ruling Gives those with Mental Illness a Chance to Live with Dignity
By: Linda Rosenberg | 10/12/2009 | Mental HealthFor-profit adult homes, while aiming to provide a transition for discharged adults suffering from mental illnesses, are still in need of attention.
Beyond the Open Door -- Challenges in Housing for People with Mental Illness
By: Linda Rosenberg | 03/12/2009 | Mental HealthAchieving realistic and stable housing options for people with mental illness is an issue of concern for mental health providers.
Bipolar Depression -- Alarming Statistics Concerning Treatment
By: Linda Rosenberg | 19/11/2009 | Mental HealthMany patients struggling to cope with bipolar disorder and depression feel their symptoms interfere greatly with their day-to-day lives.
A Guide for the Care and Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia
By: Linda Rosenberg | 12/11/2009 | Mental HealthThe following paper covers the recommendations for care and treatment of schizophrenia patients, as outlined by a national community mental health nonprofit organization.
Concurrent Documentation for Treating Patients with Mental Illness
By: Linda Rosenberg | 05/11/2009 | Mental HealthConcurrent documentation is part of the person centered approach taken by mental and behavioral healthcare organizations for treating mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
The Patient Centered Approach to Treating Patients Suffering with Schizophrenia and other Serious Mental Illnesses
By: Linda Rosenberg | 15/10/2009 | Mental HealthThe Access and Retention Initiative aims to provide strategies to engage mental health patients having diagnoses including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bi-polar disorder and who missed 30% or more of their scheduled individual therapy appointments.
Applying the 4 Quadrant Healthcare Model and Evidence-Based Practices to Behavioral Health
By: Linda Rosenberg | 01/10/2009 | Mental HealthThe 4 Quadrant Healthcare Model focuses on the individual for all populations and mental health disorders. However, this makes integration into existing healthcare models difficult.