Renee's Story -
Triumph over Mental Illness

This is a letter that was sent to our CEO from one of our clients. It is reprinted here with her permission.

I’d like to tell you what the staff at Compass has done for me. First of all, I can’t possibly fit five years of progress into one letter, so I will tell you what I was like five years ago and what I am like today. You will be amazed at the difference.

Before I started treatment at Compass Health in 1995, my life was out of control in every possible way. I had no way of knowing I was Bipolar with a Borderline Personality Disorder. I only knew no matter how hard tried to succeed at something good, I always ended up doing something self-destructive in the end.

I hated myself, even though I was a bundle of potential with many wonderful talents and abilities. I was young and smart and pretty. I was a singer, songwriter, and played guitar. I was involved in my church, played soccer, and had many respectable friends. I had hopes and dreams and my whole life ahead of me.

So, why was I drinking? Why was I promiscuous? Why couldn’t I hold down a job or manage a healthy relationship or refrain from driving recklessly or keep from cutting myself? Was I crazy? Many times I thought of ending my own life and almost succeeded twice. Did I really wish to die? No, of course not. I just wanted the nightmare to end.

I had gone to many people for help in different churches and mental health clinics, but no one could make the craziness stop.

I say, "thank God for Compass Health!" After years of torment, failure, and self-harm, I was finally diagnosed and put on medication. My therapist told me my illness was treatable and with hard work and time, I could even learn to manage the symptoms of my disorders and live a productive life.

I’ve seen the staff at Compass Health work together like a team. They support one another and combine their strengths to better serve a variety of client needs. In five years, I can honestly say that anytime I needed help, guidance, or comfort, someone made time for me. Each of them at different times has given me hope, courage, and the strength to go on.

Well, I really enjoy life now. I have healthy friendships. I am going to college and exploring many different things. I am truly managing many of my problem behaviors and thought patterns. I feel a whole lot better about myself than I ever thought possible. I am not harming myself. I am not drinking I am not promiscuous. I actually have self-respect and peace of mind. I have hope for the future!

All of my friends, family, and people who have known me for years, are amazed and relieved that I have changed so much. My mom said she finally sleeps at night knowing that I am okay. My illness affected many lives and my recovery does, too.

I am learning so many skills and using them effectively today. I plan to influence my little corner of the world and share my D.B.T. (dialectical behavior therapy) skills wherever I go. These skills give me the power to be the person I want to be, not the person my illness dictates.

Thanks for listening. It was a pleasure to share with you.

"I only knew no matter how hard I tried to
succeed at something good, I always ended up doing something self-destructive in the end."

"These skills give me the power to be the person I want to be, not the person my illness dictates."

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Bipolar Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder