I often speak the truth that no one is truly alone. There is support and community if you know how to find it, and several others who share similar stories. I am lucky to have such loving family and friends to see me through the good times and the bad. However; they cannot understand fully what I am dealing with in my head, because they have not experienced my trauma first-hand. Often, I feel alone. I want to tell you a story about a place I used to go, where I felt safe and loved among friends who were struggling to control their lives and rebuild their social skills.
When I finally got out of the hospital, having lost the 25th year of my life to psychosis, I attended many group therapy sessions, but that wasn’t enough to get me back into the swing of things. I then discovered a clubhouse filled with people like me: people who knew what was going on in my head because they were experiencing several of the same delusions, thoughts, voices, side-effects, and stories I needed to hear. I felt accepted for who I am, happy, and surrounded by others who “got” me. I have never found such communion anywhere else.
I met people from all walks of life. There was free lunch and we all had chores to accomplish by the end of the day to keep the clubhouse clean. My best friend, Eric, and I liked to work together to knock out the dishwashing after lunch. We really enjoyed the secretary position. We called all members who hadn’t visited in a while and checked on them to see how they were doing. Sometimes the problems could be fixed. Transportation was the biggest issue. Not even the bus was free.
My dad is an Episcopal priest, and during those hard times, I frequently used my prayer book. Eric and I would pray together when we had the “secretary” chore and weren’t busy. Eric got so involved that he became an Episcopalian!
I would like to say that I don’t feel lonely, but where I live, there isn’t anything like the support provided to me by that clubhouse. I miss it dearly. I especially miss Eric and all of the amazing people with whom we congregated. I can spout the words that you are not truly alone. That is the truth. Another truth is that it is harder to handle issues like these without the support of others who really do understand. They are rays of sunshine on any cloudy day.
Eric, if you are reading this, I want you to know how much your friendship changed my life. Thank you.
—SJB
No community can ever match that one for you…and…this community here in Habersham County needs a community like that SO much! I know it can be done. You have the beautiful vision…let’s pray that it will come to pass here.
Cathy, let’s not pray that it comes to pass. Let’s make it happen!