Meet Michael!

A Veteran Fights for his Freedom

Michael was headed on the path to become another statistic: A U. S. Marine veteran battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bi-polar depression, addiction and, ultimately an arrest. Despite his service to our country and accomplishments earned in the military, civilian life proved to be more than he could handle.

But because of amazing supporters, like you, Michael was able to turn his life around and avoid homelessness, stop his drug and alcohol addiction and control his spiraling anger and depression.

After hitting rock bottom, his arrest resulted in probation that required him to come to Easterseals MORC for therapy. At first, he resisted therapy and had a tough time trusting the staff. He was ashamed of his diagnosis due to the immense stigma that surrounds mental illness in the Latino culture. It was just easier to ignore everything.

But thanks to continuous encouragement from his grandmother (and life-long role model), he decided to stop resisting treatment. He slowly started opening up to his therapist and started sharing in “group.” He soon realized that the more he talked about what was going on in his mind, the more he felt a weight lifting off his shoulders. He slowly felt his anger and recklessness start to dissipate.

It was time to challenge the status quo. Michael was ready to make some drastic life changes.

“Once I stopped resisting treatment, everything became so simple. Easterseals MORC gives me the tools and consistency I need to live a better life.”

Michael started seeing what a negative toll alcohol and marijuana were taking on his life. He stopped self-medicating and started taking prescribed medication for his bipolar disorder. He found he was able to regain control over his emotions and reactions.

Today, Michael has a newfound purpose as a civilian. He is still committed to “never leaving a man behind,” only now that applies to his peers in group therapy instead of on the battlefield. Michael continually offers to give rides to his peers who have no way of getting to group sessions and urges people to call him to talk when they’ve had a bad day.

He is also enjoying a very happy home life with his fiancé and enjoys his job as a car salesman. He continues to receive therapy at Easterseals MORC and is proud of his sobriety.

“My recovery is my number one priority. Nothing comes before my sobriety. I know that now.”