Fady is a young man who enjoys listening to music, watching action movies, going for walks and hanging out with friends. As a teenager, he started experiencing symptoms of psychosis and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. After struggling with this debilitating disorder, Fady connected to effective mental health supports and is now healthy and looking forward to a bright future. Here is his story.

In my teen years, my family moved from Red Deer, Alberta to London, Ontario. We were always very close and they were supportive of me. After this move, I became ill and also started running with a rough crowd and getting involved with drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, I was quickly connected to mental health supports, given treatment, and my condition improved. For the next 12 or 13 years, I stayed totally away from drugs and alcohol, stayed on my meds, and I was healthy. I was employed with a good job for over seven years.

In my late 20s, I lost my job due to the recession, and this was a major stressor. I relapsed and ended up back in the hospital. Later I also lost contact with many of my friends who had their own busy lives. This was another stressor, and led to a repeat hospitalization.

During this period in my life, I was often psychotic, and I ended up committing a crime for which I was found Not Criminally Responsible. This became a turning point for me.
I was immediately connected to the Forensics Unit at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, and they found a treatment that worked for me. I became healthier and more stable than I had been in a long time. One more great thing happened – I was referred to the Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Program (TRHP) at Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS).

Staying in this program has been incredibly healthy for me. The staff help me plan and stay focused on my goals; they encourage me by saying, “You are going to go far if you stay on this road.” I get along great with my housemates. I’m on really good medication. My head is on straight, and I’m focused on my future goals.

I’m looking forward to getting my own housing, getting back to employment and meeting someone special. I thank the staff at Ontario Shores Forensics Department and at the DMHS TRHP program for all they have done to help me get to this place.