Antonio* had just moved from the East Coast to Colorado when he was first introduced to Jefferson Center. Despite several successful years of staying sober and attempting to readjust his life, he still struggled with his mental health, including living with bipolar disorder. Antonio had a difficult time grappling with depression and suicidal ideation, and though he was grateful that he was able to overcome his substance use disorder and sustain his sobriety, he knew that he needed additional help to diminish greater demons.
Like many other clients who approach the staff at Jefferson Center, Antonio felt that he was running out of options. He was losing hope, and he was afraid that he would not make it to see the light on the other side of the tunnel. His options were limited, and the lack of choice made everything seem even more despondent and scary.
Though Antonio had sought services elsewhere before, he didn’t feel as though he received the type of care that was right for him. Jefferson Center offered him the kind of collaborative support that he needed to embrace his struggles and resolve them head-on. After receiving counseling, medication management, peer service, and supported employment, Antonio started to feel like his own, whole person again for the first time in quite a while.
“I felt heard for the first time.”
In the month following Antonio’s accession of these service, his life has approved in many ways, and he feels much more optimistic about his future. With the support of Jefferson Center’s medication management services, he was able to lessen his medication intake overtime, and he has not had a major bipolar episode in more than four years. Antonio feels “human” once more, and he is now supported and secure enough to give back to the community and help others.
*Names have been changed