Stand United

Last year at this time I was receiving treatment at a psych hospital. I was very delusional. The symptoms of schizophrenia were as bad as they had ever been. I was to be released from the hospital to a nearby group home (Meadowview). A court ordered that I reside at Meadowview, to be discharged from the hospital. It was at Meadowview that I first was able to interact with peer specialists.
I have made a remarkable turn around in this past year. I worked hard to make the progress that I have. However, I must mention the importance and significance of the peer specialists I was able to work with. At Meadowview there were two employees who had bouts with mental illnesses. They both encouraged me and counseled me in my recovery. My outlook on living with a mental illness is markedly different from having worked with them.
The role of peers is vital in facilitating a persons recovery. It is often times ignored by health care providers. I was diagnosed in 2007 and did not know such a thing as a peer specialist existed until December of 2011. In this time I had been in 4 different hospitals and 2 other group homes. I know I would not be doing what I am today if I had not interacted with any peers on a professional level.
Unfortunately not everyone can interact with peer specialists on a daily basis as I did. You must not allow this to deter you. Know that this aspect of your recovery is important and seek involvement with your peers. If it is by going to groups that is fine. If you just meet with a friend that is dealing with a mental illness do this very regularly. Try to even schedule your meetings for a specific time and day(s).
I am personally going to try to make my opinion on this issue known. I will write letters and see if I can get this story published outside this blog. I recommend speaking with mental health professionals on this issue. If we all stand united on this point we can make a difference.