My life recently went into shambles after I had my first bipolar episode. I was hospitalized in March and decided to leave after a short time because I didn't think I needed help. A few days later, I had another manic episode, but this time my life went into shambles.

It took everything in me to get help and drive to the hospital for it. I parked my car in the garage and was admitted to Meyer 3. This time, I took my mental health seriously and worked towards getting better.

A month later, I felt I was ready to leave and was told I could be discharged. The doctor and social workers I was familiar with weren’t there that day, so I was terrified and anxious that I wouldn't be able to leave.

Iyo became my nurse at 3 p.m. and asked me, “How are you feeling? You don't seem like someone who's excited to leave.” And I realized he was right. I told him everything I was feeling, and he reassured me and jokingly said, “I’m Iyo, and Iyo always gets it done.” And he was right.

Even while handling other things on the unit, he never forgot about me or my discharge. At 5:30 p.m., he got all my stuff and offered to walk me to my car so that I could safely leave the hospital.

When we got to my car, my battery was dead. This was the last straw for me, I started breathing really fast and began having a panic attack. Iyo was very calm about it all and said he would take care of it. He called his unit and was told security would be there soon to help.

[While we waited,] I told him about the mess I left in my car and he offered to help clean it and said, “At least I can help make tomorrow easier for you.”

I have never felt so cared for, safe, or heard before. I called the unit back later to thank them and found out that Iyo had actually stayed after his shift to help me. He never mentioned that he was supposed to be off or make me feel like I was a burden. Not once did he complain or abandon me. Thank you, Iyo, for always “taking care of it.”