25 years ago, I was at the peak of my career. A teacher at KU with two Master's Degrees, I had just earned a Fulbright scholarship. While working on my dissertation, I was diagnosed with mental illness, which made it impossible for me to continue in the program. I was lost and went to private therapists.
My illness was overcoming me. I felt so isolated. At the time, the "medical" model was widely used, therefore, I was not part of my treatment plan. I took several medications--some to counteract the side effects of others. I was a zombie. I was told I would never live on my own. All I had to look forward to was a nursing home or a state institution.
With much reluctance and warning from my outside treatment staff, who claimed I would fall between the cracks, I entered the program at my Community Mental Health Center. this was the turning point in my life. After a few visits, my case manger asked me to fill out a strengths assessment. This was the first time anyone had asked me what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
I was cautious and a bit bewildered. I thought the course of my life had already been determined. At first, I said that I wanted to continue living on my own. She wrote that down. She then asked me what else I wanted to do, and I said I would like to do some kind of work. Again, she wrote that down. My case manager referred me to my job support specialist at the center.
The Community Support Services gave me an outlet to socialize and I made friends. My new psychiatrist took me off the many medications that I had been taking for years. I began to feel alive again. I became a part of my treatment plan. I was told of possible side effects before I decided to take the medication or not. What was important was that the doctor at Bert Nash listened to me and helped me feel better. All bases were covered.
Today, I work for the School of Social Welfare at Kansas University as an independent contractor. I am a co-trainer for evidence Based Practices. I am on the Board of Directors at Bert Nash, a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee for the State of Kansas and the President of a new Consumer run organization (Cro).
I am enjoying my jobs, and no longer meet the requirements for hospitalization. As a matter of fact, I have not been hospitalized for six years due to the help I get at Bert Nash. I feel much better about myself and my involvement in the local community. With hard work and the help of the staff at Bert Nash, I now have a better quality of life.
This post is part of The Association of Mental Health Centers of Kansas, Inc. series The Story is Me.
