For as long as I can remember, before coming to Coleman, I felt sad, lonely, and depressed. I don’t know exactly what age the depression started, it just seems as though it had always been there. Anger and control issues compounded my depression, and I’ve always suffered from very low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
As a result of my untreated emotional issues, I was never able to hold down a job for very long – I bounced between jobs more times than I can count. Several years ago, I didn’t know where to turn or what to do, so I decided the only way out was to end my life. I attempted suicide multiple times, and was out of work for 10 months before being brought to Coleman. I don’t know exactly how to describe what I found there – it was the lifeline I needed! I still believe to this day that I would be dead or homeless without Coleman’s intervention in my life. My treatment team provided me with medication that effectively began lifting my depression and I started seeing a counselor. My counselor taught me invaluable coping skills, and encouraged me to get up, do something productive and not dwell on my negative thoughts.
As my outlook on life continued to improve, I was eventually introduced to a job counselor from Coleman Employment Services. What I really needed in my life was stability, and a job would offer the schedule and sense of purpose I was seeking. When I found a job I wanted to apply for, my counselor prepped me for the interview and even went with me that day. I’m happy to say that I got the job, and have been working as a dishwasher and handyman at a local restaurant for a year and a half now. My manager has expressed how grateful he is for my dedication and strong work ethic, as there was a lot of turnover in the position before I was hired. He knows he can count on me, and I’m committed to being on time and doing my very best every single day. Instead of feeling depressed, I now feel productive, hopeful and valued.
Coleman changed my life, and I’m happier now than I’ve ever been. Everybody, at some point in their lives, needs help. If you go in and talk to someone at Coleman, you’ll be amazed at the help you’ll find.
True story of a Coleman Behavioral Health – Portage client.