My dreams, goals and plans now are exactly the same as they were before I got sick. It’s amazing to feel those feelings and think those thoughts again.
Sue’s been helping people since she was a child. “I used to pray every night for starving children. I believed there had to be suffering in the world worse than mine.” It’s only natural that Sue’s road to recovery would lead her to Mon Yough. Not only did she seek treatment at the Center, she has also become a valued member of our staff. Sue credits her counselor, Amber, for much of her success. “She tells me I’m worthwhile and treated me as an equal from the beginning. She encouraged me, got me involved. That was the jumping point to my recovery – becoming more involved.”
Sue’s illness developed when she was young but went untreated for much of her life. Looking back, Sue recalls her manic depressive behavior developed after her children were born. She went from hospital to hospital in hopes of finding treatment but often found herself overmedicated and living in a delusional state. “I felt there was no reason for existence. For years I gave up all hope for recovery.” Sue was institutionalized twice, each time fearing the outside world after she was discharged. “That’s what happens when you’re in an institution. You become dependent and afraid.”
On November 11th, 2004 Sue put her fear aside and came to Mon Yough. Not only was Sue healing mentally, she was also recovering from open-heart surgery, a procedure that included a heart valve transplant and pacemaker implantation. Recovery was slow but promising. Amber provided constant encouragement and support, helping Sue face her mental illness with bravery and confidence. She says, “Sue was timid and shy when she first came here. But she took initiative and became very involved. She is such an asset to Mon Yough.” Sue’s big breakthrough came when MYCS administration members asked her to speak about her experiences in the mental health institution. “They let me know my thoughts and ideas were important and valuable.” Sue is now a W.R.A.P (Wellness, Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator for Mon Yough. She has received three nominations for a Spirit Award through MYCS and is an integral member of several committees and boards within the Center.
In August of 2006, Sue will be attending the Community College of Allegheny County as a full-time student to further her education in the Social Science field. She has discovered life beyond mental illness. “When I was sick, everything in my life was black and gray – there was no color. Now, on the other side, there is color.”
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