Sharing stories of hope, resilience, and recovery.
Read about the experiences of clients at Jefferson Center and how mental health treatment made a positive impact in their lives.
Allison's Story
Allison had always enjoyed writing as a creative medium, though she often wrote poetry about melancholic topics, and she was not sure how this was going to make her feel better. However, art therapy, she found, was not necessarily about the quality or subject matter of her writing. In these classes, Allison heard about other people’s experience through a more creative lens, which helped her internalize her own experiences.
Gin's Story
Gin’s artwork was exhibited in a Santa Fe art gallery for 15 years, and each year she cycled through bipolar symptoms, often set around the seasons. Winter was dark and quiet, and she shut herself inside. In spring, Gin frantically created more art and socialized before the bitter winter struck once again. Half her life was spent isolated and waiting for the time to pass.
Hayley's Story
Hayley started therapy from a young age. Around the age of 13, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As a child, she was told to “trust the adults,” because they should know what’s best. At 29, Hayley’s psychologist redacted her bipolar diagnosis and instead diagnosed her with borderline personality disorder. It’s frustrating to be faced with a whole new set of challenges, and this is how Hayley felt.
Susan's Story
Suicide is preventable, but steps need to be taken in order to save someone’s life. One of the most important actions that needs to happen is seeking professional help. Susan had been in and out of hospitals for suicidal ideation, but, lacking mental health treatment, she never found herself stabilized. Even if she was not asking directly for help, she needed someone to intervene.
Tonya's Story
In the same year her marriage fell apart, Tonya’s father passed away. After getting terminated, Tonya spiraled into a severe depression. Her family was worried, her children most of all. On a phone call with her daughter, Tonya admitted to feelings of suicidal ideation. After checking into a behavioral hospital, Tonya began outpatient counseling treatment at Jefferson Center. That’s when her life took a positive turn.
Blake's Story
As Blake recalls his life when he first got involved with mental health care, he is amazed at how unstable his mental state really was. He had been suffering from substance use disorder but did not believe the drugs he took were detrimental to his mental health. He believed that he was experiencing a kind of “spiritual phenomenon.” Blake was in denial.
Your story matters. Share it with us.
Has your life improved because of mental health treatment? Do you wish to use your experience to help others?
Sharing your experiences with mental health treatment can help others who are struggling, and it can help fight the stigma of seeking mental health care.
You can remain anonymous.
For more information, please contact Cara Albert, Marketing Coordinator, at CaraA@jcmh.org or 303-263-0024.