COPING SKILLS

I think I should add a couple lines for those who are seeking help through therapy.
I went through alot of therapists when I was sick. I thought I ran them off with my
issues. I don't know why I just felt they thought I was a hopeless case.

When I was at my worst I was introduced to case management. I couldn't really get
anything done for myself. I was on the verge of loosing everything. My kids we taking
care of me. I thank God in Heaven for the next phase of my life.

I was introduced to a woman we will call Deloris. I think she was sent to me from heaven
above. Deloris was a case manager that was very straight with me. When I tried to
scare her off she didn't go anywhere. She would even come to my apartment and kick me
in the ass if I needed it. I needed it alot!

With her guidance I found that being honest with my doctor and her was essential in getting
better. I also, couldn't hide that fact that I wasn't taking my medication either. She always
knew. I think I got mad at her about every time we talked for a while. But, I listened to her
She became one of the best friends and mentors I have ever had. I thank her so much
for being there. I feel she was the very start of my recovery. Thank you Deloris
and God Bless You friend!!

There were others who were a big part of my recovery like my family and friends.
One other person stands out in the mental health field. She is a very dear friend too!
Her name is Kathy, she is a straight forward but loving understanding person. I think
two years ago when I lost my adopted son who drowned I would have been so crushed
that suicide was the only option. My son was blaming himself and I was grieving over three other people that i loved dearly. One of which was one of my best friends who died unexpectedly in a car accident. I had moved and had reiceved a new case manager he was almost as good as Deloris but I didn't get to know him very well before moving again.
He got me involved in the Victory Center. A Phsyco social rehabilitation center based on recovery. This is where I met Kathy.

I learned so much under this program. The way I did it was being honest with myself
and others so that it made getting better a smoother process. I had learned that lying about who I was to my doctor only took away from me. I was the only one it hurt. It wasted their time but they got paid well to waste their time.

Kathy and her honest nature full of respect and love but, still brutally honest helped me so much. I will always consider her a big part of my recovery. For that I thank her and consider her one of my mentors. God Bless you too Kathy!!

These people helped me but I helped myself by being honest with myself first and then insisting on being a part of my treatment program. Sharing my concerns and symtoms with my doctor instead of hiding them. Getting over the shame that I am who I am. Learning to love myself these are the things I have done for myself. These are the women who helped me see these things in myself.

Sincerely, Nessa