Lee

Senior firsthand Guide
Memphis, TN

Lee unknowingly lived with bipolar disorder for many years, and struggled without treatment for over two decades. He self-medicated with marijuana and narcotics, which seemed to exacerbate his psychosis. His addiction led to two stints in prison.

After his release, Lee sought refuge at a homeless shelter in Kentucky, which he credits with saving his life. The folks at the shelter connected him with a mental health professional for the first time, who was able to diagnose him and prescribe medication. Lee had tried to get sober many times before, but had always failed. Receiving appropriate mental health care gave him the ability to stop self-medicating, and he has been sober ever since. Lee also participated in a twelve-step program and stayed active in therapy to support his recovery.

When he became sober in 2003, Lee started working in a prison program to help others with addiction. He spent a decade doing that work, wanting to give back to others just like him. He continued in a similar line of work as an Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, guiding others who were struggling with their mental health and substance abuse disorder. Lee also helped start a treatment program within homeless shelters in South Carolina.

In early 2022, Lee moved to Memphis and began looking for jobs in his field of expertise. He had little luck, and took a job as a forklift operator at a warehouse. A coworker there got him connected to a family member who was looking for similar job opportunities, and that family member sent him information about a job opening at firsthand.

After joining firsthand, Lee received his first list of individuals to reach out to. He quickly found out how rewarding it was to provide those individuals with the help they needed, or be able to refer them to someone who could. In his first two weeks, he was able to take one individual shopping, one to the laundromat, and another to the doctor. Lee is grateful for the freedom that firsthand provides to its employees- the freedom to truly create change in the lives of those he serves.

Lee’s advice to those struggling with serious mental illness is to first find acceptance, and then to contact a mental health professional who can properly guide you in your recovery. One thing he learned on his journey was that most people do not find the right medications the first time, so keeping in close contact with a mental healthcare provider is key to finding out what works best for you. 

Lee is most proud of maintaining his recovery from drugs and alcohol and stable mental health, which he didn’t ever expect would happen. He is celebrating 20 years of sobriety in 2023!