You are not Alone

There is Always Hope

Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash

Over 970 Million people worldwide have some type of mental illness.

Recently, I gave a workshop to a community employment group at a clubhouse called Northstar.

The clubhouse model has it’s roots in a support group formed in 1943 inside Rockland Psychiatric Center in New York. When patients were discharged they intially met on the steps of the New York Public Library to continue supporting one another. The group called itself “We Are Not Alone.”

Today there are over 350 Clubhouses in 32 countries offering hope and opportunities to people living with mental illness. Clubhouse members must be referred for services, ranging from opportunities such as employment, education, housing and much more. Clubhouses effectively help members build self-confidence, resilience, and most importantly reduce the social isolation that so many feel with a mental illness.

Members work side by side with staff to contribute to the function of the clubhouse in such tasks as fielding calls, creating newsletters, housekeeping and preparing delicious, healthy lunches. I was delighted to share lunch fresh from the garden from the raised beds outside in the parking area.

When I walk into the local clubhouse, the comradery is palatable. I feel the sense of being in a “home” where I am welcomed as soon as I walk in the door. I sense the safety the members feel in the space. Projects are happening all around me, enabling skill building. I also feel the closeness of the members. I witnesses a member coloring while the woman next to her was talking intimately about her depression.

I am honored to have formed a close friendship with one of the founders of Northstar Clubhouse. She was instrumental in supporting me while I was recovery from my second depressive episode. The day I walked into her door was the day my life changed.

She and others had the vision, courage and determination to open a local clubhouse. Upon visiting the Salt Lake City Clubhouse they learned about the many positive attributes of the model. They wanted to do more for their own children who were struggling. The program realized its goal with the help of NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness) and other nonprofits.

I have been extremely fortunate to have come through two different severe depressive episodes in my life. There are many struggling who do not have the support of family and friends like I did and continue to have. Places like Northstar Clubhouse are so important for recovery and healing.

Even in today’s world, there is the stigma of the language of mental illness. The very words conjure up all kinds of images. We now hear terms such as “mental wellness” and “emotional intelligence” to soften the stigma. Yes, there is more openness and awareness but there is such a long ways to go. With the increase of addictions and homelessness, there is no wonder places like Northstar and other agencies are needed more than ever.

“Suffering in silence” should not be an option in this country.

Currently, I am providing life coach services and workshops as needed at the Clubhouse. It is incredibly rewarding to watch an individual who thought they had no future and had in essence given up on life to see the self-confidence and growth emerge within one year’s time. This person had a car but was not licensed and her goals included not only driving but making new friends. She has not only accomplished those two goals but is not attending a community college in horticulture.

In summary, you may be struggling, feeling like life has given up on you and there is no meaning for you, but remember life changes in the blink of an eye. There is help and there is always hope. This is from one who has had two severe depressive episodes with twelve rounds of ECt and lived to tell about it and thrived.

I came across this poem by Karin C that touched my heart and spoke of freedom and resilience. I know it will speak to you as well.