I am in a real philosophical, wistful mood right now. I was just reflecting on this career path that i have chosen. Many moons ago, i opted to pursue psychology as opposed to being a German major. I then, upon graduating, i chose to work in mental health than to work anywhere where the possibility of using math (in any capacity) might occur (which, incidentally, was faulty logic because i then had to add up too may freakin minutes in 15 minute intervals of ADL time for Medicaid billing - A D L = Activities of Daily Living like washing or showering or eating etc. while working in a group home) or where i might have to ask what kind of condiments one would like with their Super Sized meal. My work has predominantly been with individuals diagnosed with mental illness. I started in residential group homes, i worked at a partial care (doing what in essence was a cross between a stand up routine and a game show host), i worked in a county jail (where the new sad reality is that these are our new psychiatric institutions and the treatments offered are positively medieval), i worked with individuals on Welfare who were unaware that there were community supports available to them as part of their entitlements, and now, with a psychiatric outreach program dedicated to individuals who demonstrate a non-adherence to treatment and often dont have enough awareness about their own illness. While the consequences and effects of mental illness and substance abuse are tragic, I have also been witness to some successes and defiance of the odds. I have seen a man hit the bottom only to realize he was tired of that life to start anew and achieve a better life for himself. I have seen a very disorganized woman engage in her recovery and reconnect with her son in a meaningful way. I have seen a young man offer a deep, philosophical reason for why he must achieve a specific result in his pursuit of a career. And you know what? The key behind these successes? Not me. I had little to do with them. It was the individual themselves. They used the tools offered. They used the skills. Their families saw the changes that were coming from within. Mental illness is real. But so is recovery.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:26:18 +0000
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