Working in the mental health field for the past 3 years, I sometimes think I know it all, and I have seen it all. I was beginning to think it would take a dragon walking on stilts for my eyes to pop out of my head. However- I think it's in human nature to get a little big headed when we have become comfortable in the field we choose to work in. Despite my stubbornness to believe I have more to learn- I have finally come to the realization, that I have so much more to learn, and I always will.
Two months ago, I started a new job working a new job as a Rehabilitation Therapist for an acute mental health locked facility. Every day, I see new faces. Faces of the homeless, chemical dependents, and victims of mental illness. I walk into work everyday, getting to work with the most amazing people as I see and help them through their road to recovery. Although it can be a struggle, and very difficult at times.. I am very fortunate because I get to learn so much about society, mental illness, coping skills, as well as myself.
I have realized how far society has come in seeing and understanding mental illness, but I have also seen how far we (as a society) need to go. I don't think that many people realize how difficult it is to live a "normal" lifestyle when you are suffering from such terrible illnesses. I have recently reached out to the homeless community by educating myself on what it is, that causes so many people to become homeless. Little did I know, that 90% of most homeless populations in this country suffer from mental illness. These people have been through more in their lives than what society gives them credit for. And their number one way of coping with their mental illness, turning dependent to drugs and alcohol.
It saddens me to know that this is what is causing so many people to be homeless and that society labels it as being "crazy","uneducated", and "lazy." I have found myself in the group of people that labels these individuals, more than once actually. It's easy to find yourself there when you, yourself are not educated on mental illness. The best thing I can contribute to this cause right now, is my support to the homeless community, and be an advocate for the mentally ill to raise awareness. I am working towards this, but sometimes it's difficult to see past all the negativity that goes on.
Yesterday, while I was taking my lunch break, I decided to take myself down the road to subway. I was feeling a bit flustered this weekend, trying to put my thoughts together on how I can help out in this situation mentioned above. When I walked in the door, there was a small line and the older man who was up to order his sub was struggling to get his words out by stating that he might not have enough money. I immediately noticed that he was most likely developmentally delayed, nervous, and alone. My heart immediately began to beat fast while looking around the subway and seeing other people starring at him. Before I could get my words out to help him, the young gentleman right in front of me handed his credit card to the lady at the register, and told her to put this mans meal on his card. My eyes began to welt up as I looked this young man up and down. I was so thankful for his generosity for the older man, that I didn't even realize how young, this young man actually was. The older gentleman was so thankful that he walked over and gave this young man a tight bear hug, and thanked him while tears rolled down his rosey cheeks. Afterwards, I thanked the young man as well. For his generosity, and for reminding me that there are kind people in this world. I realized that I can't hold society in general accountable for all these bad labels, and letting myself get flustered over it. Just when I started getting negative myself, I am reminded of the nurturing human race-that still does exists, when I was trying to convince myself otherwise.
I have always been extremely passionate about my work and helping people, and I know I always will because of my passion for doing... just what I do. I hope that this post can open up some eyes, good or bad. Because if it opens someone's eyes to seeing this situation in a positive light--then I have done my job.
