COVID-19:  Screening, updates and safety protocols: 

'My Mental Illness Didn't Stop Me' - Tas

tas
Published Date

Tas was admitted into the Young Adults Transitional Services Unit, which focuses on concurrent treatment for alcohol/substance and mental illness for young adults aged 18 to 35 with severe mental illness.

Prior to his stay at Ontario Shores, Tas was living on his own and looking for work. But, he struggled with his mental illness, dealing with paranoia and substance abuse. Tas also had a difficult upbringing. Throughout his teen years, he has struggled with anger and the effects bullying has had on his life. In his early adult years, he also dealt with substance abuse.

At the height of his mental illness, he got into a physical altercation – thus leading to his admittance to hospital this past June. Through a referral, he was brought to Ontario Shores in July, where he was diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

At the hospital, Tas was quiet and soft-spoken. He was very active, according to Paul Hutcheson, a Recreation Therapist at Ontario Shores. Tas participated in many of the hospital’s outings, celebrations and gym programs – especially basketball.

Back in the community now, Tas is connected with the Durham Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), a program in which interprofessional clinical teams provide treatment, recovery and support services for individuals with serious mental illness and who require a high degree of support in their community.

As for his goals in his recovery journey, he will be looking for work and hopes to become a doctor one day. 

See more content on related topics