My Recovery Journey – A Road to MHASF

In 1999, my husband Tom and I moved to San Francisco. I had just earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the Metropolitan State University of Denver [MSU].  After many years of living on SSI—disability from the Federal Government—and working various part-time jobs, at the age of 35, I accepted my first full-time position as a case manager serving low-income families in various Bay Area counties. This job was a new chapter in my ongoing life of living in recovery with a serious mental illness.I was hospitalized in the Colorado State Hospital at the age of seventeen for a year-and-a-half. This hospitalization was the beginning of many years in the mental health system. Before the age of thirty, I had been hospitalized three times in state hospitals in Colorado and California. I was also hospitalized over twenty-five times in psychiatric units of various hospitals throughout the Western U.S during the 1980s and early 1990s. I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder when I was in my early twenties.

Higher Education While Dealing with Lived Mental Health

Tom and I met in 1995.  Our relationship for the past twenty-eight years has been a significant factor in my ongoing recovery. During our first few years in San Francisco, I was well and thriving in my recovery journey. After four years as a case manager, I was then promoted to Case Manager Supervisor. I applied to graduate school in 2004, and began San Francisco State University’s Master’s of Social Work [MSW] program in 2005.2005 was a difficult year for me. Schizoaffective Disorder can cause symptoms of psychosis, depression, and mania. I completed my first year as an MSW student. During the beginning of my second year of studies, I became symptomatic with mania and psychosis.During my social work undergraduate studies at MSU, I was very open with my fellow students about my recovery from a major mental illness. My professional goal at this time was to serve others experiencing mental health challenges as a mental health advocate. The other students in my program were very accepting of my challenges, and I developed life-long friendships from this time.My experience as an MSW student at SFSU was completely different than my undergraduate experience. I again was open about my challenges with my mental health with the other students and the professors in the MSW program. As I was struggling with mania and some distorted thinking at this time, I may have put people off. I left the program after completing my third semester in the MSW program and went on a leave of absence from the program.I have yet to return to completing my MSW studies. I still recall feelings of stigma and being alienated by others from my time as an MSW student.

"Peer counseling essentially was the type of work I had hoped to do when I was an undergraduate student, and I was delighted that such a profession actually existed."

Discovering Peer-Led Mental Health Recovery

From 2006 until 2012, I continued to struggle with my mental health. I worked as a fund development consultant seeking funding for new and small nonprofits. In 2012, I sought the support of a Vocational Rehab counselor. He referred me to RAMS’ Hire-Ability program, which assists individuals who experience mental health challenges with developing vocational skills. My RAMS case manager introduced me to the concept of peer counseling.Peer counseling essentially was the type of work I had hoped to do when I was an undergraduate student, and I was delighted that such a profession actually existed! In 2014, I began applying and interviewing for peer counseling positions. In October 2014, I began work as one of the first peer counselors for MHASF’s [then] newly launched Peer-Run Warm Line. By early 2015, I was promoted to the position of Warm Line coordinator. In May of 2016, I became the Program Manager for MHASF’s peer provider program in Marin County. In this position, I have learned both advanced peer counseling skills and acquired enhanced clinical knowledge. As of May 2020, I have been serving as MHASF’s Director of Peer Services.My journey in recovery led me to MHASF. MHASF embodies the value of peer-based work as a crucial aspect of the mental health system. I have personally witnessed how serving as an advocate and role model for recovery can lead others living with mental health challenges to thrive and live meaningful, productive lives.  My journey in recovery is ongoing and lifelong, and MHASF has provided me with many opportunities to personally thrive and grow during the past 8 ½ years!