RESOURCEful People – Andy (Spectrum)

“I was diagnosed with schizophrenia three years ago when I was 20. At first, I was kind of shocked and couldn’t deal with it. I was unstable and paranoid and heard voices. I had a couple of hospitalizations in 2003 and 2004. At that time, I felt like I didn’t have much of a future. I was afraid I would be in the hospital for a long time and never be able to recover.

“I had a good doctor, and we finally got my medications stabilized. I started going to the Charaka Community Support Program in November 2003 and later to Charaka Recovery Education Services. I learned at Charaka that people with a serious mental illness can succeed and do well in life—that they can reach their dreams. I have learned about my illness and how to recover from it. I also learned how to cope with anxiety and stresses.

“I have continued to go to Charaka, especially the Young Adult Drop-in and to activities like movies, parties, kickball and pool. The Young Adult Drop-in helps me to socialize, and I have made friends there.

“I had real good success with the program and did so well that I decided to go back to college. I am in the two-year AA degree program in Culinary Arts at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, getting A’s and B’s. I love to cook and watch the Food Network. After I graduate, I am hoping to get a prep cook or pastry chef job. My dream is to work someday on a cruise ship.”