Paul's Story
Paul had been experiencing progressively worse "episodes" of paranoia, delusions, extreme moodiness, and auditory and visual hallucinations, to the point where his wife was ready to leave the marriage. His wife continued to encourage him to get treatment, and he finally decided to go to Metrocare. Approximately 3 years ago, at the age of 48, he was finally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, severe, with psychotic features. After about 2 months, he began to show improvement. His medications were adjusted, increased, and changed, until he was finally stabilized and feeling much better.
Nine months after starting treatment, he agreed to attend a bipolar group facilitated by the Westmoreland clinical staff. Here he learned he was not alone in his mental illness and could discuss his experience while learning from others.
As time went on, he attended Peer-to-Peer education groups at Westmoreland, and later received training to become a co-facilitator and then a facilitator for Peer-led education groups. He has been a participant with NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). He has since traveled to Austin, Texas to speak on behalf of mentally ill consumers of the state of Texas on proposed House Bills. He has served as the Coordinator of the SHARE Organization's annual picnic.