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Trauma in the World of Mental Health and How Peer Specialists Can Help You Speak Up for Yourself

Share your truth. I am about to. That's what Peer Specialists are for!

By Krista KovatchPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Do you have a mental illness or know someone who does? My guess is that your answer is yes to one or both of those questions. Is it a hard topic to read about at times? Yes. Does it make certain people uncomfortable from lack of true understanding? Sometimes; however, my reasons for these questions is that I feel and believe in my heart and mind that it is a topic that needs to be discussed. People should not be made to feel ashamed of their story. Sharing your story will help others to realize they are not alone, and it will make YOU feel less alone!

Part of My Story

I have endured enormous traumas in my life. One of the hardest was when I was put in psychiatric facilities and I was held down in four points, strapped to the bed, and was shot with Haldol. This happened several times. The people who did this to to me had no empathy whatsoever. I was shot with Haldol AGAINST my will. Upon entering the hospital, I was shoved into a dungeon like setting by a cop who was very upset with me because he could not control me. I was stuck with needles in order to be sedated at a time where I was so paranoid that I thought I was going to be raped right then and there. It was terrifying to say the least. I had a bruise on my arm the size of a tennis ball which the staff did not give me ice for until I had to ask several times. This happened after I refused to go back inside from the courtyard because I was too scared to go back inside the facility. I do realize I was tough to deal with at times, as I was delusional but why are people with mental illness treated like animals? It is the 21st century and this stuff is still happening. It would surprise a lot of people and it is wrong on so many levels.

What I Do to Be Well in My Mental Health Recovery

I have been stable from Bipolar Disorder Type 1 with psychotic features, O.C.D. and anxiety since November of 2013. I am now an active participant in my mental health recovery. I do things to be well. Often, I cook to focus and see my loved ones enjoy a meal. I openly and honestly communicate with my friends and family. I see a therapist and psychiatrist once a month. I keep up with my responsibilities, I stay away from drugs and alcohol. Today, I work as a Certified Peer Support Specialist which is someone who identifies as someone with a Mental Illness and is trained to help others in their recovery. I work in an Outpatient Mental Health Center and I help people advocate for themselves when it comes to their treatment with the doctor, therapists, case managers, etc.

YOU are an important part of of your recovery. As Dr. Pat Deegan says, "There are two experts in the room." You are just as much as an expert as the doctor is, you know yourself well, and the doctor knows his or her job well. It is not just up to the doctor what medications you take or how you work your own recovery. It is so important to speak up for yourself. YOU are the one taking medications and medications can cause side effects, etc. Medication can also be a life saver. It was for me. However I used it alongside of what I do to be well such as taking walks because I love the calmness of nature and it quiets my mind. I am proud to be setting an example today for those who are still struggling and/or trying to find their path. There are CPSs in drop in centers, psychiatric hospitals, Decision Support Centers and also Certified Peer Specialists who work out in the community to help people get reacquainted with every day life and help you reach goals, even if they are something as simple as getting up in the morning and taking a shower. It can also be something like helping someone to apply and obtain a job. I am a PEER meaning we are people who can identify with each other and we are EQUALS with those people we are helping. It is a very rewarding job and I would not trade it for the world.

In Conclusion:

I'm writing this not only because it is cathartic for me, but because this needs to be heard and talked about. This trauma that myself and many others have endured that I spoke about earlier can be very hard to deal with and can sometimes scar people for life. I'm also writing because I want to express that there are good, caring, empathetic people who work in the MH field, and people who can relate. They are called Peer Specialists!

Thank you for reading and Remember- YOU play an essential role in your own recovery. Never be afraid to speak your truth.

recovery
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