Welcome to another edition of Common Ground Online. Here's what's in this week's edition:
- Mario Leon's Recovery From Schizo-Affective Disorder
- Share The Hope: Share Your Story
 "My name is Mario Leon and I am from San Jose, Costa Rica. I was medicated from 13 to 27 years of age with all kinds of psychiatric medications.
I went through a long list of psychiatrists, each recommending a different drug or set of drugs for a different diagnosis. But of course in each case when I asked if it would make me feel better or if I would be able to live a normal life some day, I received only hopeless and ambiguous answers. I was finally told that I suffered from schizo-affective disorder, a diagnosis curiously different from the first one of severe depression.
I could describe the horrible suffering that I felt from the side effects of the drugs, the anguish felt by my loved ones, and how much I hated life before I learned about Truehope…But instead, assuming that those who read this are looking for HOPE, I prefer to recount the beautiful life I have now two years after the best decision of my life. No more fear. Hearing from others like me that there truly is an exit from depression.
In February of 2007 my cousin, who lives in Canada, was visiting me in Costa Rica and told me about an alternative treatment for my depression. At first I could not even grasp the idea of having a normal life. Without a doubt I had totally forgotten what it was like to feel good, and had even become accustomed to my illness. However, of one thing I was sure: anything was better than what I was feeling all this time.
I decided to contact Truehope. I started my program with EMPowerplus in March of 2007. From the first time I spoke with my Truehope Support Specialist I felt a feeling I had never felt before: a feeling of honesty and hope. A few weeks later my life took a 180 degree turn; I felt ALIVE in the full sense of the word. It was as if a bandage had been removed from my eyes, and I saw life in all its glorious colors.
In all my previous years of illness the months of July and August were months of crisis for me during which I felt the worst. My birthday falls during this time, and I now understand that my sadness during these months was because they always represented having to live through another year of suffering. However, the year I started my Truehope program it was different. Although my family was worried and fearful of how I would react at this critical time of year, I felt absolutely no fear. As a matter of fact, I was so busy living my new life to the fullest that my depression rapidly became a distant memory.
August of this same year I was medication free. In less than one year I was detoxified of a long list of drugs including Haldol, Lamictol, Remeron, Edronas, Seroquel, and others. In my case I did not feel adverse effects during the process of drug reduction. In fact I was so anxious to not have to take any more drugs that my Truehope Support Specialist (Julio) had to tell me to be patient on more than one occasion. In my dark past it was easy to treat life casually. I used alcohol to escape the situation I was living in. Now, finally I am capable of appreciating my life in all its beautiful range of experiences. I have even learned to enjoy even the moments when I do not feel really well, because I now know that everyone has good days and bad days. This is just part of the great adventure of life.
After two years of being well, I carry on such a normal life that I sometimes forget that I once lived a nightmare. Thanks to people like Julio and all the support staff at Truehope, today I can tell you that life is beautiful and that depression for me is now nothing more than a memory."
- Mario Leon, Costa Rica
 By sharing your life-altering experiences with others, you can give powerful encouragement to those at the beginning of their road to wellness. If you would like to send us your story, please email us: success@truehope.com. If you feel comfortable including a picture with your story, that would be great too. Thank you for helping others realize the benefits of EMPowerplus and the Truehope program.
Have you missed an edition of Common Ground Online? Are you new to the Truehope Program? Visit our email archive page for a directory of all previous Common Ground newsletters. These emails are loaded with useful information that can help you succeed on EMPowerplus and the Truehope Program.
Help us to serve you better. Send your questions or comments about the Truehope Program, EMPowerplus, or our support resources to feedback@truehope.com or call 1-888-878-3467 to speak to a Truehope Support Specialist.
We want to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date program information so that you can continue to make informed decisions regarding your health. Our hope is that you will find hope, healing, and health through education and continued support.
Yours in health,
The Truehope Staff
|
