Howard's Story

A Life of Creativity Derailed by Mental Health Challenges

Though Howard, 45 and a Bronx native, had a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was no stranger to the challenges of mental health, he fell into a complex and debilitating situation. He found himself suffering from frequent bouts of catatonia, severe isolation, deep depression, and hearing things that weren’t there. Dealing with all this at once not only derailed his love of photography, but every aspect of his life – he was unable to hold a job, and soon found himself hospitalized numerous times, and recovering from a suicide attempt. Howard felt unable to maintain a functional life and was near the end of his rope. He had always dreamed of a simple, peaceful life – married to someone he loved, working a job he was passionate about, and living in the Bronx. But his simple dreams seemed further than ever before.

In the wake of his hospitalizations and suicide attempt, Howard entered an intensive outpatient program in the hopes of managing his symptoms and starting the journey back to a more stable day-to-day. During treatment, he was referred to The Jewish Board’s Bronx REAL PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) program to help address his ongoing struggles and how these symptoms were affecting his day-to-day, including his relationship with his mother and sister, his inability to find steady employment, and his need for an independent living situation. Howard missed photography deeply but knew that stability and a solid practical foundation for his life were necessary before he could get back to his passions.

Securing Long-term Mental Health Support

Bronx REAL PROS integrates clinical care with skill-building and peer support to help people living with serious mental illness reach their personal goals with work, education, housing, and life. Howard and his care team realized he needed long-term support to help him focus not only on managing his symptoms but getting him closer to the life he’d always envisioned for himself. Not only had Howard lost touch with his passion for photography as his psychiatric symptoms took hold, but he also became isolated from his beloved sister and mother, and despondent. With the support of his PROS care team, Howard created a recovery plan that opened the door for him to return to school and gain full-time employment, allowing him to dust off his beloved camera. He slowly built up his circle of friends and even began dating.

Howard’s program set him on the path to long-term success: he attended wellness groups, received medical management, therapy, and peer support. He also improved his interpersonal skills through networking events and worked with the PROS Vocational Unit to sharpen his resume and rebuild his job readiness. Howard’s desire to reconnect with the outside world – and to create a life where he can not only hold a job but also live independently, have a meaningful romantic relationship, and grow a stronger bond with the family he loves – propelled him forward.

Soon, Howard was working full-time as a case manager at a large housing services agency in the Bronx, taking advantage of his Psychology degree, and even found time to do freelance photography for a nonprofit agency, combining his hobby and career. He was finally doing what he loved, with people he loved.

Finding a Life of Joy Again

At one point, Howard was unable to leave the house. He was frozen in place by his psychological symptoms, which prevented him from doing the things he loved or exploring the neighborhood that helped define him. But over time, he was not only able to help himself; he became an invaluable asset to his program’s leading case conferences and supporting others with compassion and insight. Howard stopped just checking off boxes and started transforming his life. His journey went beyond stabilizing himself. He’d created a life full of joy and pride in his growth.

As Howard explores settling down in his beloved Bronx neighborhood, and after marrying his long-time partner, he continues to engage with PROS to maintain his connection to the skills and symptom management that helped him push through the darkness and toward the next phase of his life – a continued quest for learning and knowledge, creating art, and being close to those he loves. He remains hopeful for what lies ahead.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.