Brian's Story

My name is Brian and I've had a long-standing struggle with mental health issues. My main diagnosis is Borderline Personality Disorder. I have a list of other psychological conditions, I've been told, including a rare disorder called Klein Levin Syndrome.

Some thirteen years ago I discovered I was HIV Positive. And around that time I was also informed I had Hepatitis C. As well, I have a long history with addictions.

The fact that I suffered from multiple disorders and conditions has made it very difficult to receive treatment and support.

In 2004 I was told, because of the Hep C, I have only five years to live. Due to my issues with mental illness, especially depression, I was told I did not quality for Interferon treatment.

However, thanks to the help that I received from different supportive housing providers, I was able to navigate through those difficult times, obtaining and maintaining treatment.

McEwan Housing and Support Services is an agency that provides ongoing support for people who suffer from HIV, mental health, and addiction issues. They provide Case Management for people living in their supportive housing units, and for others living elsewhere in the community.

They were pivotal with helping me advocate for the Interferon treatment. They helped me to coordinate a care team, set up appointments, and they ensured that key information was shared among my health care providers. This was very important, as my cognition and memory were very poor during this time.

While in treatment I had several respite admissions at Casey House. They supported me through their Home Hospice Care Program. My nurse, Lisa Shishi, saw me in my home at least once per week, more often if needed. She helped me with monitoring my medication regimen.

I was also able to utilize McEwan House for numerous respite stays, after many hospitalizations.

Since 1993, I've lived in my own apartment at Fife House, an agency that provides supportive, independent living. They have a small office on site, with very helpful staffing during the day and early evening.

Because of the Interferon treatment, and all the support I received from these various agencies, I am glad to say I am now free from Hepatitis C.

My HIV is now manageable. And my mental health has stabilized and is the best it has ever been.

I first found McEwan Housing and Support Services in 1999. At that time, my life was in complete turmoil. My mental health had severely deteriorated and my addictions were totally out of control. I felt suicidal much of the time.

At first, they supported me at my home. And then they offered me a room at McEwan House, where there is 24 hour staff support. I lived with them for close to two years. Their patience and compassion has helped me change my life.

My Community Support Worker from McEwan Housing and Support Services continues to assist me with pretty much every aspect of my life. I see my psychiatrist on a weekly basis, at St. Michael's Hospital, and my medical doctor on a monthly basis. My CSW works closely with both to facilitate my health care. I can count on getting advice and emotional support, and when needed, advocacy as I work hard to create a better life for myself.

Without McEwan Housing and Support Services, I'm not sure where I would be right now. But I do know my life has been greatly improved because of the support I've received from them.