Michelle Miller

Meet Michelle Miller. Michelle is a bright twenty-eight year old who works as a part-time retail sales associate, and a volunteer for the Humane Society. Four years ago, Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia and PTSD and has also battled with drug addiction. She suffered in silence for many years prior to her initial diagnosis, and has struggled with many hospitalizations, various therapies, and medications. Over the past 2 years, Michelle has begun to recover and has been re-diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and borderline personality disorder, in addition to PTSD. With the loving support of her family, true friends, peers in recovery, mental health workers, and community organizations, she has learned to believe in herself and embrace activities that guide her journey to recovery and motivate her to change her life.  Through personal courage and hard work, Michelle has obtained employment for the first time in two years.  With help from her support network, she is now drug-free, and better able to manage her illnesses.  Michelle is committed to her treatment and recovery, and has even found the courage to speak at a drug addiction conference in Toronto as well as speaking to at-risk youth in a local high school. Michelle now knows, and wants others living in the shadows to know, that they are not alone. She believes that love, understanding and speaking out helps everyone cope and contribute to society so that people with mental illnesses can live fulfilling lives. She is an inspiration to others living with addiction and mental illnesses, especially young adults who deal with the overwhelming challenges of everyday life. Her family and friends are so proud of her for coming so far, and most importantly, Michelle is proud of herself. Recovery is Possible.