Patient's Testimonials

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Welcome to our Patients Testimonial Page!

My name is Natalina Monti. I'm thirty-two years of age and I have had cerebral palsy since birth. As you can imagine, my life hasn't been easy. Still, from the time I was a child, I always tried to stay as positive and active in life as possible in spite of my physical disability and low self-esteem. I learned at a young age that I was different meaning my physical limitations were real and more noticeable than limitations of "normal people". In 1988, my parents and I decided to move to Boca Raton, Florida after I graduated from Lincoln High School in Yonkers, New York. The harsh winters were getting hard for me to cope with and because my sister and niece were living in Florida also, we thought it best to move to a warmer climate, not only for my sake, but to bring our close knit family back together again. I received a $10,000 scholarship for college and I was to attend Nova University in Davie, Florida. For so many years, I had struggled in school, because of teasing and discrimination from my classmates and teachers alike. All people could see were my crutches and the way I moved and walked. My moving to Florida was to be my chance, to start fresh and build a new life for myself and rebuild my relationship with my sister and niece. I could finally be a full-time sister and aunt! I truly thought that my life was going to be wonderful, filled with new experiences, challenges, and a newfound independence. But, it was different from what I had imagined.

Upon moving here, I started college, but not at Nova University, because I was afraid to live on campus on my own. I have always lived with my parents; I have never lived on my own. I couldn't handle it!!! It was then, and still is now, terrifying for me!!! I was so afraid that I couldn't take care of myself on my own and study hard at the same time, so I went to Palm Beach Community College, which was much closer to home. My major was in special education teaching.

I went to night school because I didn't drive yet and because I was scared to learn! Even today, fear of driving remains one of my biggest fears that I'm yet to overcome. So my dad drove me for several years. My grade point average was 3.5. I was proud of my grades, but they cost me a lot. You see, I had a low self-esteem and I was a perfectionist...I wasn't happy with a "B" or a "C"! I wanted only "A" 's because I felt the need to prove my intelligence and myself. I felt that I would not be good enough to fit in with other "normal people," unless my grades were perfect! As a result of my perfectionism, I put myself under an enormous amount of pressure, both physical and emotional. And as a result, I had a nervous breakdown in 1990!

For eight years, I couldn't stay alone or sleep alone! I had to sleep with my mom and I had to have someone with me at all times. I had panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and tendencies. I was in and out of psychiatric hospitals constantly. And in 1994, I received seven shock treatments which unfortunately, didn't help at all! I was on every anti-depressant and psychiatric medication that was available at the time, but nothing seemed to help for long, not even group or individual therapy. My doctors, my parents, and even I, felt that I was truly beyond help.

One day out of the blue, I decided to seek out one last opinion, one last shot in the dark. I'm so glad I did because, when I met Dr. Anthony Yacona, of Health Sciences Institute, located in Boca Raton, my life changed for the better, forever! Since I've been under his care, Dr. Yacona found my proper diagnosis which is Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, combined with Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and or Panic Disorder. And he found the right combination of medications, which for me are at this time, Zoloft and Ativan. Dr. Yacona also found a psychologist who also was very helpful to me. His name is Dr. Frank Roselione. He treats O.C.D. and the rest of my condition with a combination of relaxation and hypnosis treatment. Together, we all work as a team and as a result, over the past few years, I have made great strides towards recovery. I sleep alone now and can spend periods of time home alone. Last but not least, I am now on lower amounts of medication and I am coping better with my physical and emotional problems by having a more positive and realistic attitude and outlook toward my life, and "life" in general. For this, I am truly grateful to God, for my parents, my family, friends, and for bringing Dr. Yacona and Dr. Roselione into my life. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

I am proud of my recovery but I know that I have a long way to go. As you know, there is no cure for mental illness, but there are treatments available that can help. I once asked Dr. Yacona, how I could repay him for everything he has done for me. And he replied," you can repay all of us by recovering to the best of your ability, and share what you have learned with others. In other words, give back what was given to you.”

Dr. Yacona is truly an extraordinary doctor and human being. He honestly cares for his patients, and dedicates himself to them and others, who suffer from mental illness, by providing affordable and effective treatments with compassion, support, and understanding. I was humbled and honored when, Dr.Yacona asked me to be a team member, when he started The Yacona Mental Health Foundation On January 28, 2000. This is my chance to help others by giving back that which was given to me, not that very long ago. Information, support, compassion, and guidance.

Thank you, for taking the time to read this letter. For, I am a better person today, because you touched my life, and gave me a renewed sense of hope. May God Bless You Today and Always. Please, help us build bridges for a better life.

Sincerely,

Natalina Monti
Patient Advocate
Yacona Mental Health Foundation