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West Chicago Terrace
Intermediate Care & Behavioral Health
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 * Specialized Services
 * What’s New
 * Work With Us
 * Contact Us




LITTLE STEPSON THE JOURNEY TOWARD RECOVERY

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Oct62023
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AN INSPIRATION TO BOTH STAFF AND HER PEERS AT WEST CHICAGO TERRACE, DENISE
AGREED TO SHARE HER JOURNEY TOWARD RECOVERY FROM MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS.

 

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychosis and seizures, Denise received
in-patient psychiatric treatment, after which her doctor recommended ongoing
care at West Chicago Terrace.

Initially, Denise reported that, despite staff and her peer’s best efforts, she
stayed in bed a lot, didn’t talk to anyone, and didn’t take care of herself.

 


FINDING JOY

After a steady diet of quarantining due to her mental state and the constraints
of COVID, Denise noticed that she had gained weight. “I decided to start making
healthier eating choices,” she recalls. “I felt better, so I did more.” She
began walking laps in the hallway, taking better care of herself, and feeling a
little better about herself.

“Then I began opening up more,” Denise reports. “I came out in the evenings,
found friends, and socialized. I learned much about other people’s journeys and
stories, and it took me out of myself.”

Denise began participating in a prayer group, helping with art class, and taking
walks with staff. “I laughed for the first time in years and started to find
joy.” She also began going to group therapies. “It was the first time I talked
about myself – to anyone.”

 


LETTING THE LIGHT IN

Denise eventually earned a Level 3 community pass of up to four hours (pass
levels are an integral part of the West Chicago Terrace program as residents
work toward increased independence). Now she walks with a friend daily, gets fit
with other West Chicago Terrace residents at cardio workouts and weight training
classes, and helped develop West Chicago Terrace’s resident cardio-drumming
exercise routine. She also calls Bingo, serves as the Resident Council
Secretary, and is learning French and Spanish.

“The staff members encouraged and cared about me along the way,” she says. “At
first, the little things I did made me feel better and kick-started me; then it
snow-balled.” Denise takes fewer medications, stays connected with her family,
and has a boyfriend. As one of the West Chicago Terrace nurses says, “Denise let
the light in.”

Denise is fixing “loose ends” while planning for her future. Meanwhile, she
focuses on “being grateful, focusing on the positive, living my best life now,
and moving forward.”

 


INSPIRING OTHERS

Denise inspires others to start their journey by taking the “little steps,” like
going outside and getting fresh air. Then, “take that risk to talk about
yourself” by participating in group, journaling, writing letters, and connecting
with others. “Once I stopped keeping everything inside of me, it helped a lot.”

Denise is currently planning her next “little step,” which is researching
supportive living options for the next big step in her recovery – further
integration into the community.


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928 Joliet Street
West Chicago, Illinois 60185
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