Struggling with screen and gaming addiction, social anxiety and depression, former fellow Lorenzo had reached a point where life no longer seemed worth living. His days were spent in isolation, disconnected from his friends, family and from himself. “I didn’t see any future for myself. I spent most of my time in my room or bed, not going to school, not doing anything. I felt like some sort of alien, I had made myself one.”
Before Lorenzo went to Yes We Can, it was not just the addiction that weighed him down. It was the growing sense that change was impossible. “I never realised I had to change, or that there was any change possible for me, because I had spent such a long time in this state of mind without considering what I could or could have done differently.” Spending most of his time in his room or bed, instead of going to school or fulfilling the ambitions he still had in him, his isolation even led to being aggressive to his relatives.
“My way of living, combined with my social anxiety issues, caused extreme depression to such a degree that right before I got into Yes We Can, I was considering ending my own life.” A part of Lorenzo knew that his lifestyle was not okay. But the feeling that the way he was acting wasn’t right, let him sank deeper into his issues. Thanks to his parents, who took the initiative of sending him to treatment at Yes We Can, he got to see there was something wrong and change was needed and possible.
His treatment at Yes We Can wasn’t easy, but it was the turning point Lorenzo desperately needed. “Yes We Can reignited something in me. It brought back my feelings and emotion, but also my ambitions, my relationships and my ability to connect with others.” During his time at the clinic, he experienced both the best moments of his life, such as forming friendships and connections with people on a level he never had before, as some of his worst moments, especially through the confrontation he faced.
“Confrontation helped me grow basic social skills I had lost."
Some of these life-changing experiences happened during the group sessions with other fellows and expert-by-experienced colleagues. “The confrontation was hard, but necessary. It taught me how to deal with situations in a healthy way and helped me grow basic social skills such as empathy and care for others. I always was pretty introverted and social anxious, so it used to be way harder for me to interact and approach people. I hold Yes We Can, and especially the people there, very close to my heart, as I believe they’ve allowed me to get another chance at life, as well as completely changing my perspectives.”
For Lorenzo, the support at Yes We Can was unlike anything he had ever experienced. “The youth coaches felt like friends I could admire. At first, I was sceptical. But as time went on and I started having more conversations with them, sharing more vulnerable stuff, they became a vital part of my recovery journey. They gave me daily advice, emotional support and challenged me when I needed it most.”
The counsellors in the clinic, who are experts-by-experience, left a deep impression on Lorenzo. It made him realise that he had no excuses or way to wiggle out of the situation he had put himself into. “They gave me the harshest criticism I had every received, but it was always backed up by their own experiences. When I finally started opening up instead of hiding behind masks and unhealthy behaviours, they were incredibly supportive. The counsellors seemed have learned so much about themselves and their behaviours, which is really inspiring.” Also the therapists played a vital role in his lifechanging treatment. “The therapists helped me understand myself, why I behaved the way I did and guided me through change with both confrontation and compassion. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
“Yes We Can gave me another chance at life and I am not going to waste it. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.”
Yes We Can is the place where Lorenzo finally started to feel happy again. And that happiness didn’t fade when his treatment ended, it grew. “My daily life has improved drastically. I haven’t played video games since the clinic. More importantly, my relationships have blossomed. For example, my younger sister and I had a terrible relationship. Now we’re close, we go climbing, listen to the same music and talk openly. It means the world to me.” He also discovered a passion for bouldering, something Lorenzo now practices several times a week. “It helps me see tangible progress when I put effort into something.”
Although Lorenzo’s life has completely changed and he feels very happy most of the time, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have ups and downs. “Sometimes I’ll procrastinate homework or general stuff I have to do, sometimes I’ll spend a little too much time on my phone and sometimes I still make mistakes while dealing with certain situations. As long as I use the tools I have learned in the clinic, these are issues that I can surpass and get the best out of.”
Lorenzo’s motivation to stay in recovery is deeply rooted in the people around him and in himself. “My friends and family have shown me so much love and support, even when my behaviour didn’t deserve such attention. It feels like a responsibility to not let them down, to show them how much I also care about them, how much I appreciate what they do for me. This goes also for all the people that helped me throughout my life, whether that be the fellows and staff at Yes We Can or some very kind teachers in school. But I think an equally important person that motivates me to stay in recovery, is myself. Even though I can be my worst enemy, the fact that I have strong ambitions for myself makes me want to stay in recovery and not lose the progress I’ve made. The main reason I want to keep getting better is because I finally started seeing prospects for myself, thanks to all the people that surround me and help me.”
