This summer “Kaylie” called Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region’s office even though she was afraid. She courageously took the first step toward improving her mental health and wanted to share her story below.
“I have been suffering from anxiety and depression, among other things for many years. I thought that I could handle everything on my own, and I had for years, in a very unhealthy way. I was scared to reach out to get help because I didn’t want to get put in a mental institution or have my children taken away.
I called Mental Health America and they placed me in the care of Gidget, my case worker. I got in to see her very quickly, and she made me feel validated and comfortable. She asked me what my goal was, and what I needed from her. I told her and she found me a therapist that was close and accepted my insurance within a week. I didn’t have to do anything but show up.”
Today, Kaylie is thriving. She is in therapy and has finally received a mental health diagnosis. She broke through the stigma that prevented her from seeking help and is forging a new life with her family.
“I haven’t felt this happy and free in over 15 years. If you are struggling with mental health, and you don’t know where to turn, I would recommend Mental Health America. They are so friendly and helpful. You just need to take the first step. I will always be grateful to Mental Health America and Gidget for helping me when I couldn’t really help myself.”
One in four families are impacted by a mental health issue and/or substance misuse. Knowing where and how to find help can be overwhelming. Our Navigators are professional, compassionate, and know how to maneuver through the barriers people face when seeking help.
Many people in our community need help right now and pre-pandemic shortages of clinicians have become critical as more people seek mental health care, many under the age of 24. But there is hope. In addition to the Navigator program, individuals with lived experience who are in recovery and driven to help others succeed, are meeting people daily providing hope, support, and stabilization. They are called Peer Recovery Specialists and they are making a huge impact in our community connecting clients to the recovery community and assisting them with employment, legal assistance, shelter, and other basic needs.
Your donation and support will go a long way in ensuring that other people like Kaylie in our community will live productive and happier lives by seeking and finding help and breaking the stigma of mental health that can be paralyzing.