I’ve known Mike for a very long time. I first met him in grade 1 at our elementary school and we’ve been friends ever since. I’ve seen Mike go through good times and bad times as well as several relapses.

I remember his first relapse after his father died. At the time, I did not know he had a mental illness; I only knew he was too sick to come to school. The first time I was involved in one of Mike’s relapses I was seventeen. At the time, I knew very little about mental illness and I had no idea if Mike was going to get better or if it was even possible for him to get better.

Mike was able to take control of his illness and has not had a major relapses since 1995. Mike sees his doctor on a regular basis and takes his medication, but the main reason for his success is his attitude and the conscious effort he makes to stay well. Mike has adjusted his lifestyle to prevent relapses and all the meanwhile he was able to lead a normal life. He has a family a home and an active social life.

Jack Novielli