From Breakdown to Breakthrough: My Journey to Recovery

On June 5, 2025, I woke up and was no longer the Lesley I had always known. I hadn’t slept much, and my mind was consumed by delusions, disturbing thoughts, and sensations that weren’t real. I wasn’t making sense.

My husband, Vince, did everything he could. He first encouraged me to try to sleep, then urgently arranged a Zoom call with a mental health professional. Within minutes, my mind distorted her face into frightening images. Terrified, I ran aimlessly through our home.

I was losing control.

Vince gently stopped me and asked, “Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Now.”

At the emergency room, my physical health was mostly fine aside from elevated blood pressure. Mentally, I was in crisis. My heart raced, the delusions continued, and I desperately needed help.

Because the hospital didn’t have on-site psychiatric services, I was transferred to a psychiatric facility, where I spent five difficult days receiving medication, evaluations, and treatment.

Although I was discharged and returned home, my recovery wasn’t over. A few months later, in August, my symptoms worsened, and I found myself hospitalized again.

How did this all happen?

I was always a stellar student in school. Top grades, diligent work, intense focus. 

I was trained in classical piano as a young girl and held pageant titles as a young adult. 

Then, later in adulthood, I had several successful ventures requiring extreme concentration and performance prowess. 

I have some ideas of what could have caused my breakdown. More importantly, I know what helped me towards recovery. I’d like to share some of the useful tools that have assisted me in hopes that they may be valuable towards your journey of recovery:

1. Medication

It is not crucial for everyone, but I was required to take medication when institutionalized and, with the help of my psychiatrist, we figured out the best combination for me. Over time, we eliminated those that weren’t effective and lowered the dosage on the existing medication.  

At the moment, I am on just one pharmaceutical (I was diagnosed both PTSD and bipolar I and the specific medication is for the treatment of bipolar 1) and it is possible that the med could be reduced further or even eliminated in the future.

Medication can be useful for stabilization and to calm down disruptive symptoms, so it is a great starting point and option for many.

2. Therapy

Therapy was helpful for me. I did (and currently do) regular check-ins with my psychiatrist (she’s amazing). I additionally worked with another competent and empathetic therapist who facilitated EMDR, which is effective for trauma and those navigating PTSD. Also, I tried TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) which was helpful for mood regulation.

I recommend therapy as it provides a safe, supportive space where people can develop healthy coping skills, process difficult emotions, and build resilience on their journey toward recovery.

3. Movement / Healthy Lifestyle

Walking and movement have saved my life! By nature, I’m a high-energy person, but after my hospitalization and for the first time in life I experienced devastating lows and depression. Some days, I barely wanted to get out of bed or take a shower. It just felt like these things were impossible tasks.

But I heard a voice saying “I know you barely feel like getting out of bed, but please—just try and take a walk”

So (almost against my will), I forced myself to walk, even if it was a short one, and it actually helped! Maybe I wasn’t back to my old self, but it definitely helped my mood, little by little. Fast forward to today, I am back to my long walks and I even got back into running again (I used to run a lot in high school)!

Additionally, I eat a balanced and (mostly) healthy diet. It doesn’t mean I don’t have my occasional pasta or desserts (I admit, I do have a sweet tooth from time to time). However, I mostly eat foods that will be good for my health (leafy greens, protein, fruit/berries) and that will not make me feel sluggish or give me brain fog after. I also limit my alcohol intake—I occasionally drink, but usually only on special occasions.

Movement nourishes the mind, and healthy food fuels the brain. Together, they help improve mood, reduce stress, support better sleep, and build a stronger foundation for mental wellness.

4. Gratitude

One practice that became meaningful for me was beginning each morning with gratitude. For me, that included prayer and thanking God for another day.  This may sound cheesy for some, but I would listen to a very specific positive affirmations video on YouTube and about 5 days in, it really clicked and I felt the shift. More positive activities were beginning to happen in my life.

These actions can also align with prayer and meditation, which I do as well. The vibes are high and stay high when in a constant state of gratitude. We all can have negative thoughts seep in, but, overall, these practices have helped me to stay in a state of abundance and mental resilience.

Practicing gratitude each day helps shift attention from what is lacking to what is positive, which can reduce stress and increase feelings of hope and contentment. I would highly encourage it.

5. Creative Outlets

I’ve found it’s important for anyone, especially those diagnosed with a mental health condition, to have an outlet into which they can pour their energy. For some, it’s creative outlets such as art, music, etc. For me in particular, I love to write as well as play piano.

Iconic painters Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh—who both experienced deep psychological turmoil—transformed profound suffering into deeply personal art.

Also, although not considered ‘creative,’ working out is a great outlet. I walk, run, and do HIIT most days of the week. Occasionally I do weights as well. It’s a great way for me to get any unsettled energy out of my system and increases my endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine—crucial for anyone dealing with depression or mental health challenges. Consistent exercise also improves overall brain function, focus, and memory. So, it’s a win-win overall!

6. Adequate Sleep

Sleep is so very important…for anyone! But crucial for people living with mental health conditions. Sleep supports recovery, regulates mood, reduces risk of relapse, and has several additional benefits.

So, definitely aim to get 7-10 hours of sleep if possible.

7. Community

When I went through a period of depression, for the first time in my life, I had a desire to withdraw from everyone and isolate (this completely contradicted my social butterfly nature). Some alone time is fine, but it’s not healthy to withdraw for long periods of time and can be detrimental to anyone’s mental health.

So, I slowly began socializing again; even if it was taking a short walk to a bakery and briefly conversing with the cashier. Getting out and even just sitting around people can be beneficial to not slipping into a dark place mentally.  

Over time, I got back to my ‘old self’ and started doing things again with my friends and attending social events (selectively).  I even attended some NAMI groups which was helpful to be connected with a community that understood and could provide solutions to overcome some of the same struggles I experienced. Also, because I have different hobbies (piano, writing, chess), I joined some common interest groups too.

Community provides connection, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, reminding people in recovery that they are not alone and that healing is possible with support.

My journey has taught me that a mental health diagnosis does not define who we are. It is simply one chapter in our story. With the right support, effective tools, and a willingness to keep moving forward, healing, growth, and a meaningful life beyond mental illness are absolutely possible.

Lesley Yvonne Hunter is the author of Madness to Manifestation: From Breakdown to Breakthrough, an entrepreneur, classically-trained pianist, former Mrs. Florida 2021, and mental health advocate who shares her story to inspire hope and remind others that recovery and transformation are possible.

Check out her author website at www.LesleyYvonne.com