About three months ago an 18 year old was sitting in a psychiatric hospital staring down a paranoid thought disorder and a bi-polar diagnosis. The psychiatrist reported that this individual would not be successful without consistent medical and psychiatric management. I thought PQ would offer more than doctor visits each week. Through the dedicated relationship fostered by the admissions process and the skills of the clinical department, the consultant trusted we were the fit.
The student pushed our system a bit in the beginning and many responded. During the first few days the student had such enormous anxiety he thought he was having a seizure. He was taken to the emergency room. Throughout his stay the student exhibited incredible growth, moving into a mentoring role during his final week.
The student recently graduated PQ and successfully transitioned to another program. After meeting with the psychiatrist there a few times the working diagnosis has shifted to simply an anxiety disorder. No paranoid thought disorder. No active or real signs of any bi-polar. We helped the student move from medical and “psychiatric” stigmatization and a life long entrenchment with psychological problems. Through dedication and opportunity this student has put himself in a completely different position. It is a testament to the power of the program and what an individual can do if he/she embraces the opportunity.
I feel fortunate to have been a small part of this young man’s growth.