If I Can Do It So Can You | Stories from the narrative research project

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If I Can Do It So Can You

Published: February 2006

This story highlights how volunteering and contributing to the community has helped in recovery.

The big turning point for me was starting to volunteer full-time at the local mental health forum where I run their website and produce their newsletter. They’ve taught me a lot and opened a lot of doors for me, which has been the most valuable factor in my recovery.

What made that opportunity possible though, was my response to an ultimatum given to me by a psychiatrist a few years ago that prompted me to take ownership and responsibility for my own recovery. Before that there had just been 18 years of drug addiction and a revolving door of psychiatric admissions until the late 90’s. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the early 90’s when I was in the army. I moved back in with my parents, and looking after me put a heavy weight on my Mum in particular who wasn’t well herself. It was partly concern about what I was putting her through that made me catch a grip of myself.

So I started to read self-help books and look on the net for ideas, which led to me doing computer training with Abbeytext (a computer-based learning company linked to the Scottish Association for Mental Health). The 4 major steps on my recovery journey were:

coming off drugs
deciding to be less reliant on NHS services
doing computer training
volunteering full-time with the local mental health and advocacy forum

A fresh start north of the border was also really helpful as I had extended family in Scotland, and friends who were a bad influence on me down south. I was really impressed at how smooth the transition to mental health services up here was. Money isn’t much of a worry because of DLA(Disability Living Allowance) and income support.

I’d like to go on making a contribution to society like I’m doing at the moment and maybe write a book about my experiences. In the long-term I’d like to use my computer skills to go self-employed. I’m doing a degree course at the moment. In terms of what I’ve learned, I wish I had given up drugs sooner.

This story was written based on this individuals interview for the SRNs narrative research project entitled, 'Recovering Mental Health in Scotland'. More information about the project can be found in the Narrative Research Project section of our website www.scottishrecovery.net.

If you’d like to share your own experience of recovery please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 240 7790 to discuss.

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Story disclaimer

The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure.

See our Submit Your Thoughts pages for details on how to submit a story to us or you can contact us.