Lee's story

Lee became involved with the wrong crowd at the age of 16. A predictable pattern followed: substance abuse led to psychosis and delusions. He stole from his family; they disowned him. He became homeless. In his mind he was a Wimbledon tennis champion. In reality, he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The cycle continued: seven hospitals in three years.

Discharge, relapse. Discharge, relapse. A young life on the ropes. Eventually, Lee came to Cambian, where we were determined to break the cycle. His 19 months in our care began with a complete review of medication, coupled with intense one-to-one cognitive behavioral therapy sessions with a psychologist.

He began to confront reality - always a difficult time because delusions can seem more real than reality itself. Recognising that you are not a tennis pro but a patient in a mental health unit can be devastating. Lee felt that he had lost his identity and had no place in society anymore.

Lee progressed through Cambian’s Active Care™ therapies. He worked with clinicians to develop coping strategies that would manage his feelings and the underlying psychosis. The ability to face reality stopped Lee from deteriorating any further. Psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, care workers and nurses shepherded Lee on the step-by-step journey that enabled him to rebuild his identity and see a future for himself in society.

These were months of ups and downs; painful days and difficult nights, but some stories have a
happy ending! Lee stayed off illicit substances. He regained his confidence and completed a law course. For the first time in his life, he moved into his own flat.

He now works part-time, counselling young people who have begun to experiment with drugs. His own cycle has been broken – and he is helping others to break theirs, before it’s too late.