Randy's Story

Meet Randy

Randy was a 25-year-old South Asian man from Brooklyn whose journey has been marked by immense challenges and remarkable resilience. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, he faced multiple painful experiences, including abuse from his biological father, harassment for his Muslim faith, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

A Connection to Robust Care

In August, Randy experienced a manic episode that included a life-threatening incident, prompting another hospitalization and round of psychiatric inpatient care. During this challenging period, Randy was introduced to one of our programs that support individuals navigating their mental health journeys.

When our team began working with Randy, they observed his increased energy, rapid speech, racing thoughts, grandiose behaviors, and poor sleep. Part of Randy’s energy came from a personal drive to “help people,” but it often came at the expense of his own wellness.

Through regular meetings with Peter, his care manager, Randy began to recognize that he needed to support himself. He set a goal to take better care of himself, both physically and emotionally, so he could return to work and help others. Randy’s team then helped him grow his care plan by introducing him to the program’s additional supportive services, including help with appointments and medication management, which helped him improve following through with his care.

Embracing Care and Incredible Progress

With the support of Peter and the rest of the care team, Randy continued opening up about his personal story and fully embraced the help offered. He acknowledged that he often prioritizes others over himself and neglects to ask, “How am I doing?” Randy’s care team helped him realize the importance of self-care and develop the habit of checking in on his own well-being.

As his recovery progressed, Randy shared that his love for music was a key coping tool and expressed frustration that his broken headphones had limited his ability to enjoy it and care for himself. Recognizing its importance in his recovery, the team gave Randy a new pair of Bose headphones.

Peter continued playing a crucial role in Randy’s recovery, regularly checking in to assess his well-being. He helped Randy reflect on his past hospitalizations and helped him use those experiences as motivation to stay focused on his recovery. In addition to working closely with Peter, Randy collaborated with his care team’s Registered Nurse, who helped him manage his medications, and his peer specialist, who worked with him to rebuild his interpersonal skills.

Moving Forward and Setting More Goals

Since his discharge, Randy has kept his appointments with his case management team at The Jewish Board, actively participated in therapy, and adhered to his medication plan. He also secured a full-time job as a data analyst and continues his passion for helping others through a clothing line for the homeless.

After a year of care, Randy graduated from The Jewish Board’s case management program. When reflecting on his progress, Randy shared the importance of understanding his own needs and expressed deep gratitude to his care team for helping him discover that about himself. He can now recognize and manage triggers, preventing further hospitalizations, and is eager to give back by becoming an ambassador and advocate for the program.

We’re proud of Randy for his accomplishments and plans for the future, and thanks his care team for their transformative impact on his life.