Recovery is possible

Posted: 1:00 AM CST Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014

In his column, Dan Lett addresses the stigma that frequently becomes the reaction to persons with mental illness -- especially when their actions exceed the societal norm (Li improving, maybe society can do the same, Feb. 25).

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/02/2014 (4594 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In his column, Dan Lett addresses the stigma that frequently becomes the reaction to persons with mental illness — especially when their actions exceed the societal norm (Li improving, maybe society can do the same, Feb. 25).

To some extent, I have walked the journey of Vince Li. In the depths of my depression, I acted out towards people who were mistreating me out of their ignorance. When I threatened some people, I was arrested and placed in a mental-health facility.

I was found not criminally responsible and given the opportunity to recover with the best psychiatric therapy found in Manitoba. I know the journey of recovery from the depths of despair and also when I no longer am a threat to anyone.

With medication and mental-health supports, almost all of us with a mental illness can recover and be effective builders in our communities. Were we simply kept locked away and out of sight, that recovery simply would not happen.

Li has recovered to the point where his mental-health workers feel he can care for himself and live in a non-threatening way among the rest of us in society. I welcome him back to our community.