I’ve always had struggles during my life, starting in school with processing problems and not thinking I’m good enough. In high school, I started drinking and getting stoned. It was a miracle that I even graduated. After graduating, I worked but got into harder substances and had no work ethic. In 2003, I had a psychotic break where I didn’t know what was real or not real. I’ve struggled with this my whole adult life. I was diagnosed with Bipolar* and Schizoaffective Disorder* in 2004. I became manic and out of control, so I had my first day at the mental hospital, where they had me on so many pills I felt like a zombie. I’ve had a lot of suicide attempts, but now I know my purpose is just to live!
*See definitions below!
I finally quit marijuana in 2009; I haven’t had a drink for ten years and have been off cocaine for a little over two years. I’ve lived with my parents for the majority of my life, always relying on them, especially my mom. Finally, in 2025, I had a breakthrough: “What if I lose her? How will I get out of my shell and this hermit lifestyle?” I needed a place to find my independence, so my cousin, who is a psychologist, mentioned Karis Community. After that, everything changed. I called right away and got a tour of the place – It was so new, but it felt like this might be the answer. I had the Applicant Dinner, I was voted in and moved in the next day.
“Why do we fall? So we can learn how to pick ourselves up again.”
Karis opened a whole new door; it’s called a Community for a reason. I’ve met so many great people and continue to do so. I’ve made a lot of new friends, and not only do we hang out, but we lift each other up. We’re all going through something, but we’re always there for one another. Karis’ staff is great with check-ins, groups, and dinners, and they hold us accountable for trying our best. They are available when we need them. I’ve been learning how to cook and clean. Karis has brought out a whole new person – I haven’t been depressed, and I’ve been working on my delusions and paranoia. If I have any problems, I know I can reach out to the Community Members because they know the stuff I deal with and give me great advice, like “Don’t be so hard on yourself; you’re an awesome guy!” I feel like I’m on a whole new path of enlightenment.
By Alex M., Community Member
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. People with bipolar experience high and low moods—known as mania and depression—which differ from the typical ups-and-downs most people experience. The average age-of-onset is about 25, but it can occur in the teens, or more uncommonly, in childhood. The condition affects men and women equally, with about 2.8% of the U.S. population diagnosed with bipolar disorder and nearly 83% of cases classified as severe. If left untreated, bipolar disorder usually worsens. However, with a good treatment plan including psychotherapy, medications, a healthy lifestyle, a regular schedule and early identification of symptoms, many people live well with the condition.
Source: NAMI
Schizoaffective Disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized primarily by symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania and depression. Many people with schizoaffective disorder are often incorrectly diagnosed at first with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Because schizoaffective disorder is less well-studied than the other two conditions, many interventions are borrowed from their treatment approaches. Schizoaffective is relatively rare, with a lifetime prevalence of only 0.3%. Men and women experience schizoaffective disorder at the same rate, but men often develop the illness at an earlier age. Schizoaffective disorder can be managed effectively with medication and therapy. Co-occurring substance use disorders are a serious risk and require integrated treatment.
Source: NAMI
Way to go Alex👏👏👏