When issues became too stressful, I received more support. I had the opportunity to determine what treatment I wanted, including making decisions about medication. The team helped me with paid jobs, not volunteer work or being in a sheltered workshop. Based on how the team had come through for me over the years, I trusted the team to let go when needed and hold on when needed. I feel they also listened to me and let me know my dreams mattered.
Recovery is a process.
My first job was as a dishwasher, then I became a receptionist, janitor, then a cleaning-company assistant. The team helped me to see that I could do more and, if I wanted, to grow vocationally. I would, over the years, grow personally as well. I look at myself as a worker and colleague instead of a person with a mental illness. My illness is still part of me, but I chose to define myself as a person first.