Alumni Selfie Story: Shane

The guidance, support, and care were exceptional

Shane, Skyland Trail alumni

It’s been three months since I moved out of Transitional Living and one year since graduation. I think my Primary Counselor said it best: ‘You will continue to recover and make progress. There will be rough patches.’ This is so very evident.

The difference now is that I can actually see and feel the change. The difficult stretches are short-lived and tolerable. I no longer believe that I need to be in a psychiatric hospital. I can now function and thrive in the world. When my emotions are intensified and filled with sadness and despair I’m able to work it through. I decrease the intensity, live with the discomfort, and ride out the wave. I’m living independently for the first time in over 30 years. This is because I’m going through a divorce after 21 years of marriage. Living alone means taking good care of myself. I can no longer have my wife take care of me. I’m practicing self-care on a daily basis. While doing for myself I’m feeling enjoyment and happiness. I now understand what gratitude is. My sleep and overall hygiene have improved. I monitor my own medications. I practice self-compassion.

My mom died this past April. She contracted the COVID virus and passed away very quickly. I’m really grieving while accepting the loss. Skyland showed me the way. The guidance, support, and care were exceptional. I came with the desire I just needed the direction.

I will never be able to repay Skyland for the treatment I received. I will, however, try to.

I love SKYLAND TRAIL!!!


This client testimonial was submitted through our Alumni Selfie Story program, where we ask alumni share their personal experience with others, give updates on their recovery, or give a shout-out to someone that’s helped them in their recovery.