Rebecca started participating at the Burnaby Drop-In Program approximately 3 years ago. She was encouraged to attend the program by her caseworker mainly as a result of her interest in art and crafts. Rebecca is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, complicated by concurrent physical health issues, that means she has a lot of difficulty with fine motor skills, concentration, flat affect (appearance), and mood swings. Rebecca wanted to increase her social interaction, build new relationships, and increasing her self-esteem.
Rebecca had first attended programs with great hesitancy - she had difficulty in concentration due to her anxiety and had to limit her involvement in the program (staying for shortened periods). However, with staff and participant encouragement, Rebecca gradually increased her level of involvement and established new relationships with other members of the Drop-In. Rebecca has developed new leisure interests and abilities, and she now instructs and facilitates an activity program that focuses on healthy lifestyles. Due to the increased sense of self-worth and self-esteem, her ability to show more facial expression has increased, as has her concentration. Rebecca now seems to focus more on her abilities rather than her disability.
* Stories are based on actual individuals but names and identifying information have been altered to protect the anonymity of our service users.
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