2024 Journeys Magazine
Stories of Hope
“It’s tempting to tell you that Skyland Trail saved my life, and in an aspect, I suppose it did. The truth is, I did. I saved my life, but I never could have done it without Skyland.”
When I first began writing this, I had no clue if the vast majority of it would ever see the light of day. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if any of it would be shared at all. I’d say that the notion of anyone ever actually reading it wasn’t really a concern to me, yet I’ve found myself working on this for over a month now.
Skyland Trail had such a profound impact on my life that I can’t help but want my words to be perfect, to share my experience in the way that I think it should be shared. To this day, nearly five months since I left Skyland, I consider my time there to be one of, if not the greatest, experience of my life. And after many hours spent reading these words, again and again, I’m almost unsure that they can ever do it justice, but I’m going to try.
Adult Program Graduate: Ben
"I learned a lot about psychosis and specifically about how my diagnosis didn't define me...I am thankful for Skyland Trail. They provided an excellent foundation and the bedrock for the house of recovery I'm building."
"One of the most important things I learned about myself at Skyland was that I’m so so SO loved. I made so many friends with not just the kids, but the staff. You guys felt like family. I’ve never felt so cared for and SEEN. "
I did so much self-exploration at Skyland. I wrote in journals and learned ukulele. I made so many poems and decorated the common room with origami... I learned how to advocate for myself and how to set boundaries. I learned to really love myself and to be patient.
Most importantly, I learned to love being alive. And you know who put that spark in my life? Skyland Trail. It was most definitely Skyland Trail.
Adult Program: Marianna
"At first when I heard about TMS, I was terrified. Magnets on your brain seems scifi...Now it's been six months since I ended TMS and I would say the highest my depression has been would be about a 1, maybe a 2, and day-to-day a 0-1. So TMS, the effects really work."
Adult Program: Andreas
"When I came in to Skyland, I thought, 'Let's see how they fix me.' ...later...I realized...that's not what we're doing here. What they will do is give me the tools to manage me...Skyland helps you start the engine of recovery...out in the real world...you're responsible for keeping this engine running."
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DID YOU KNOW? On average, adult clients admitting to our residential program participate in treatment for about 2 to 4 months, usually stepping down to day treatment as part of their journey.