The history of 1st Step is filled with stories of hope and inspiration. The following is a story from a past 1st Step participant: Doctors diagnosed me with Bipolar Disorder halfway through high school. Somehow, I managed to graduate while struggling with the illness. I tried to work for two years but found it incredibly […]Continue reading“You only have one life”: Jon’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: Psychosis for me was a way to define myself. I allowed it to guide me [and] define my movements. Psychosis was a voice in my head “telling” me what to do, […]Continue reading“I have stopped looking for other things to define me”: Paul’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 psychosis was a very unique and impactful time in my life. In the time leading up to my psychotic episode, there were signs that were foreshadowing the events […]Continue reading“Don’t be afraid to ask for help”: Ryan’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: I was diagnosed with Bipolar just over two years ago. My journey began in grade 12, at which time I [was] living with a mild depression [which] lasted all winter. It […]Continue reading“I am living proof”: Christine’s Story
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.Continue reading“There is a light at the end of the tunnel”: Mark’s Story
The journey that our family has taken with the 1st Step team of professionals has been life changing. From the initial visit by a 1st Step case worker while our son was in the hospital; through two years of guidance and care by a psychiatrist, nurse, case worker and family support clinician; to the joyful […]Continue reading“You are not alone”: A Parent’s Story