Stephen Metcalf - Cairns
Stephen Metcalf from Cairns
Very few people would know of the dungeon-like state of mind that I've been tormented by for many years. However, it seems the psychiatric disability bipolar disorder is no stranger to the world anymore.
During 2005, I was hospitalised on three consecutive occasions in three months and for one of those hospital admissions, I was in the mental health unit for over a month. Why? I was suffering from an extreme state of paranoia. Paranoid ideation is when you think and feel you are being persecuted, almost everybody is hostile towards you and you adamantly believe that people are going to kill you.
After a new regime of medication, my case manager directed my attention to a course at Tropical North Queensland Cairns TAFE. Though feeling anxious and hesitant while having an interview with the equity officer at TAFE, I made a commitment to try to do the course that was offered to me. (It's important to mention that I was an extremely introverted person, lived alone and had isolated myself for the past three years.)
Now, reflecting after a year of attending TAFE, my life has completely changed. A new pathway and doors of opportunity are slowly opening up. My journey of recovery has really developed over the past year. How? With wonderful encouragement, being given opportunities, the most helpful teachers and staff, and by associating with other students. My life has been empowered, enhanced and enriched.
It is paramount in everyone's life to be able to communicate effectively and with confidence. I have climbed out of the silent dungeon. TAFE has given me hope, a purpose, a meaningful life and a great feat to achieve — increasing my confidence and my ability to eventually communicate at all levels.