Story of Hope: Meet Rachel

September 23, 2025

Life Before HopeWay

I came to HopeWay during one of the hardest seasons of my life. About a year before arriving, I slipped into a depressive episode so deep I couldn’t pull myself out. Weekly therapy wasn’t enough. Even after a medication change, I still couldn’t function. I was frequently calling out of work, and it felt like anything would knock me down. I had lost all resilience. Eventually, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. It became clear something would have to change. 

(Rachel and her husband)

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

When my therapist suggested HopeWay, I started doing my research. Despite having other treatment programs closer to home, they did not have availability, and I felt like I couldn’t wait any longer. So, with my husband’s support, I made the decision to travel to Charlotte for the first time and begin my healing journey. 

Embracing HopeWay's Holistic Care 

I spent seven weeks in the Residential Program before stepping down to the 5-day-a-week program. HopeWay’s holistic approach was exactly what I needed. I loved that my days were structured to incorporate both the intense work of therapy and moments of restoration through yoga and gardening. 

Treatment & Personalized Support

After spending weeks in the program, I made progress, but the HopeWay team realized that I still needed more help. My psychiatrist gently recommended I try electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an additional treatment method to relieve my severe depression symptoms. I was extremely nervous, but through many tearful conversations, I finally decided to trust the team and began ECT. 

Even though HopeWay does not offer ECT as part of its services, the staff went above and beyond to support me. They coordinated my appointments and worked closely with the medical team there to ensure my care was seamless. My HopeWay treatment team recognized that my healing would be more effective with this additional approach, and they did whatever was necessary to support me as a whole person, tailoring my care rather than limiting me to a one-size-fits-all program. 

Leaving With Strength and a Renewed Sense of Hope

Despite my initial fears, the changes were noticeable. People started telling me I looked brighter, that I was smiling again. I felt hopeful for the first time in nearly two years. One day, the words I had been waiting to hear finally came: I was in partial remission. I felt like I was finally getting my life back. 
When I first entered treatment, even getting out of bed felt overwhelming. Now, my husband and I are making real plans for the future - the same ones we used to only dream about. 

I can truly say that HopeWay saved my life. When I entered treatment, my only hope was to get my depression under control. What I didn’t expect were the incredible people I would meet - both clients and staff - the countless acts of kindness I would experience, and the lifelong memories I would carry with me. I arrived at HopeWay feeling beaten down and defeated, but I am leaving with hope, strength, and a renewed belief in brighter days ahead.