Don’s Journey to Recovery

Breakthrough gives me a reason and a purpose to get up in the morning.

I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 21, but it happened because of a crisis – a personal relationship had fallen through, and mental illness had seized my brain. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in those early days. Growing up in Leonardville, Kansas, I was lucky to have the support of my family and extended family. They connected me with the area mental health center, which became my rock for many years. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder, bipolar, and have spent time in just about every state and local hospital you can think of over the years. I tried to manage a normal life with marriage, children, and the responsibilities of the farm, but mental illness always got in the way.

I sold my farm equipment and came to Wichita, Kansas to be around my family in 2014. So many good people are in my corner, and yet I still suffer from anxiety, depression, and discouragement as I try to cope with this condition. My last hospital stay lasted 11 days, and when getting discharged, I told them I just wanted the pain to go away.

I came to Breakthrough three years ago and love it. Being here gives me the opportunity to visit with other members in a casual way. There are no papers to grade.  There is no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. I can find the middle ground and think happy thoughts. Each day I spend time at Breakthrough, I realize I have something to contribute to the group, and that’s huge! Being here makes me feel like maybe things aren’t so bad.

Now is your chance to help others like Don.

Please give now to our fundraiser Journeys to Recovery so we can give opportunities for those yearning for change.