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Getting Up Again

A while ago our neighbour cut trails into the forest for his off-road vehicle slicing some trees down to the ground. While out wandering, I came upon one of those trees with new saplings coming up from the old root. It reminded me of how brain disorders such as schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder create devastation in the lives of young people in their prime - just as they are beginning their first years of university, or starting their first job, or beginning a family. The effects of the illness upon a young life are similar to the effect of the chain saw upon that tree.

This vulnerable sapling in its forest surrounding is symbolic of the importance of family, medical and community support, and especially the courage to "Get Up Again" exhibited by people during the recovery process.