In a world where compassion and understanding can sometimes be overshadowed by the demands of medical protocols, Kylie emerged as a beacon of exceptional care during my most challenging moments. Her ability to connect with me on a personal level, especially during my struggle with drug-induced psychosis, was nothing short of extraordinary. Unlike other nurses who approached me with a sense of duty, Kylie approached me with genuine empathy and a desire to help truly. She not only provided support but also shared her own experiences with mental health, revealing a vulnerability that fostered a deep sense of trust and safety. Kylie's unwavering commitment to her patients exemplified the essence of exceptional patient care, making her a remarkable force in an often overwhelming environment. Life operated much differently in the grips of psychosis. It's something almost nobody can navigate through, let alone people who aren't experiencing it. From the outside, I was seen as delusional, paranoid, and disconnected from reality. But none of this strayed Kylie away from seeing my heart and exemplifying true love for her patients. When I grow up, I want to be like her.

A year after my admission, I wrote a letter with an update about my life and how far I've come. The letter was a comprehensive list of gratitude I had for the care team. Only one member of that care team received a personal letter, which was Kylie. Without her, I wouldn't be the young man I am today. It was when she was in my life that I learned that light could be found in the bleakest environments and hope was always possible. The letter was so emotionally genuine that I couldn't help but summarize it here. 

Summary:
Just like when I wrote my letter to the entire nursing team, I don't even know where to begin. First of all, you were the nurse who helped me the most during my stay and demonstrated exceptional empathy when understanding other patients. I always saw you as someone especially gifted in connecting with others on their level. Your empathy should never go unnoticed by your colleagues, and I can assure you, it hasn’t been overlooked by the patients.

The truth is, there were moments in the ward when I felt disregarded by others and was often labeled as "crazy." I experienced times when everything felt overwhelming; colors became intense, and I could hear whispers around me saying, "You’re stupid! Stupid! They hate dealing with you! Go and die!" The voices became even more intense when a nurse would come to "deal" with me. However, something remarkable happened whenever you arrived: the voices quieted and even stopped. I felt secure. This was because you never came to "deal" with me; you came to help me, and that’s the most impactful thing anyone could do for another person.

It's as if you were a therapist, adjusting your agenda to meet me where I was. During those moments when I was trapped in a haze of fear, sadness, and paranoia, I needed a strong lifeline to pull me out. You were stronger than anyone else in acknowledging that I was navigating a life with different rules and perceptions. Even in the last moments we shared, you expressed concern when I didn’t seem ready to leave, right in the last ten minutes of the discharge meeting! Kylie, that shows so much empathy and courage, and I can’t express how much it meant to me.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t quite ready to leave and ended up experiencing another episode while exiting the parking garage. It was as if I had completely forgotten how to cope once I left the building. Even when my mom tried to calm me down, she would mention the strategies you suggested, and they worked. Many months later, as I neared recovery, I heard numerous PHP and IOP patients speak of you in the highest regard. 

You, Kylie, have a far greater impact than you might realize. The lives you touch are changed forever, and one day, I want to show others the same love you showed me.