My Story

16 Mar My Story

My name is Dean.

I was diagnosed from suffering psychosis at the age of 16,  I also struggled with substance misuse throughout my late teens & was continuously in & out of hospital.

In my early 20’s I was then diagnosed with schizophrenia, this really sent me off the rails, my substance misuse got worse but I felt it helped me escape the reality of my diagnosis.

For 21 years I was constantly in & out of hospital or secure units, one admission lasted for 5 years!  I never managed more than a few months before my mental health declined & got recalled. I always felt I was being punished rather than helped.

When I visited Tapton Grove for the first time I remember telling the support worker who accompanied me on the journey back that I had a good feeling about the place, it made me feel I could turn my life around.

Since I have been at Tapton it has felt like home, the staff care, feel more like friends & I have never felt judged. I have been given constant reassurance & encouragement,  felt safe & have gained confidence in myself. I’ve made some amazing friendships , enjoyed holidays & outings over the last year.

I’m proud to say I have bought my own car & I’m learning to drive. I go to college 3 days a week & have been offered a place on the 2nd year of my ‘Music Production & Performance’ course due to achieving fantastic grades this year, I’ve also quit smoking, vaping & joined the gym.

My biggest achievement that both me & my family are so proud of is that I have just celebrated 1 whole year living outside of a hospital/secure facility & being substance free! It has taken me 21 years to achieve this!! I wish my mum was alive to see this as I know she’d be proud too.

My life was overtaken by my behaviour, my behaviour was ruled by my diagnosis. Now I have learnt that I am not my diagnosis, the diagnosis is just a part of me that I accept & understand. Now I’m living my best life!!

I feel I’ve been given a second chance at life, without my support at Tapton I know I would never have achieved this. I hope my story helps & inspires others to accept help in finding themselves, set goals & never give up.