Bringing Mental Wellness to the Midlands

“For a long time I struggled with, and continue to struggle with, anti-social behavior and self-imposed isolation. My home was not a safe space due to verbal abuse and medical neglect and I did not have anywhere to go or anyone to talk to about it. At home, I was very aggressive because I did not have an outlet for my stress or any way to receive proper support. I tried reaching out to various state programs but every resource I pursued turned out to be a dead end and I was starting to lose hope.

The Clubhouse I joined was different because it was close to home, convenient to go to, and provided a consistent routine. I quickly participated in the daily work of the Clubhouse and felt needed, validated, and appreciated. I felt like I could make a difference in how things were done and was able to engage in work that appealed to my strengths. I knew it was unhealthy to isolate myself to such an extent, but what kept me coming back to the Clubhouse was the assuredness I would always be appreciated for my work and help. I still do not like to socialize much but I am slightly less shy and more motivated to seek treatment.

It has been almost a year since I became a member and I am now on an effective treatment plan for my Schizophrenia, which was ruling over my life before. There are still a lot of rough patches, but I am surviving my illness, and that is what matters to me.

– Clubhouse Member Austin, TX

“I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone that has taken part in my recovery. I am clean, sober and injury free for 23 years. When I regained consciousness at yet another hospital, I decided to try something different. I had four times the legal limit of alcohol in my body. I had overdosed on my prescription medication and I had self-inflicted burns and cuts on my body. I have struggled with the thoughts of going back to that old way of life (or lack thereof) and I’ve landed in a number of mental hospitals.

The Clubhouse gives me purpose; it gives me a sense that my life matters and that I’m a valuable human being. The Clubhouse gives me purpose, it gives me a sense of family because people who understand my mental illness and don’t judge me but support me. We can make a difference in each other’s lives. I have not found it necessary to self-harm, drink any alcohol nor take any other drugs. I take my medicine as directed keep my appointments and continue to attend the Clubhouse I look forward to coming to Clubhouse four times a week and I’m excited that we will soon add a fifth day.”

- Clubhouse Member, Greenwood SC

“For a long time I struggled with depression and isolation and had been hospitalized a couple of times. It wasn’t easy at all to deal with this on my own. But then I came to the Clubhouse and they helped me feel like I was worth something. The Clubhouse didn’t treat me like my diagnosis, I was treated as a person.”

– Clubhouse Member Sarasota, FL