I knew something wasn’t right because all I did was cry day and night. I was engaged to be married, had a house, a job and reliable transportation. Money wasn’t an issue; I had enough to more than get by. So why then, was I crying continuously?
I made an appointment at mental health to see if they could “fix” my problems of crying. I went to see an intake worker who said I didn’t meet criteria for services because my primary diagnosis was substance abuse.
Two weeks later to the day I made my first suicide attempt. Nine state cops and three hours later, I was getting a free ride in the back seat of a trooper’s car to be involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital. I was mandated by the court system to not only be admitted to the hospital, but to receive mental health counseling for no less than six months.
Upon discharge, I found myself single, homeless, and jobless. I went to mental health for the mandated six months, and then stopped. I didn’t think I needed them because I was healed from the crying spells. I started to become depressed again, re-thought about my life in general, then decided I needed the counseling and called my case manager and began treatment at mental health again. . . on my own.
February 1, 2002, I gave birth to twin daughters who were born at just barely 28 weeks gestation. Born in Saginaw, they were 3 lb., 2 oz. and 4 lb., 10 oz. and in the hospital for quite some time. I learned a lot from watching them struggle to breathe. Most importantly I learned that life wasn't all that bad.
Today I am a very successful person who advocates for the needs and well being of adults with mental illness as a Certified Peer Support Specialist at the place that saved my life. . . Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. Two years into this job, I was offered a full-time position working with not only Northern Lakes but with the Michigan Department of Community Health as the Statewide Coordinator for the Michigan Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Program. I am honored to say that I now hold the position of Recovery Coordinator for all six counties for Northern Lakes. Once looked down upon, I am looked up to now as a hero, mentor, sponsor, and friend. Along with this important job comes the most rewarding and honorable job ever - - being a mom. My journey of recovery has given me the gift of life times THREE and soon FOUR.
My hopes and dreams for the future include obtaining my bachelor's degree in social work to continue in the mental health field, but more importantly, to continue to better myself for the lives of my daughters. Throughout my journey of recovery and for the rest of my life, the one thing I want people to know about me that they didn’t or don’t know is that I have problems too. I am stronger from the experiences but continue to learn how to grow. I WON’T GIVE UP!
13 Comments
I'm so very proud of you, and sharing your story with others.
I knew from the moment we met in 9th grade algebra, that you'd be one of my greatest life long friends. This has still been the case and remains true.
Mary Beth I think this is a great story and so glad to hear you tell your story. Glad things are going well for you. take care of them babies and of course the one on the way. Love you and miss you…
Marybeth, I see your Recovery Story as one on strength, success and positive. You found the strength to continue to get help for you hopelessness and turned it around to be a successful, powerful woman and mother. You have beautiful children, and one on the way and you are so full of life. You are an asset to your agency and you can show folks how to be succussful by who you are. You are fun and never appear to be afraid to "jump in the deep end" taking the chance versus allowing fear to over power you. The credentials are nice but you already have what it takes to be a social worker. You already have the expertise, you just need the piece of paper to be recognized by the credentialing people. Some folks get the degree, but never become social workers, because there heart is not there. people can only listen when you speak with the heart and you already have that gift. Megwetch for sharing my friend.
Wow that is so great to here. Not that u had a hard time, but that u have made so much of yourself. Congradulations I feel that you are the right person for the job. I hope every thing else is just as great for you in your future.
Knowing that you have had simular experiences as I have and seeing you come thru to the other side is inspirational. It has been so great getting to know you Mary Beth. NAH!!
thanks for sharing ur recovery story marybeth. u sure have came a long long way in fact we all have
Mary Beth… Your story is truely inspirational to those who are able to relate to your experiences in life, and one that you should be very proud of. You are able to turn your negative experiences into positive one's to help others who experience similar situations you have been placed in. You have come so far in your life and recovery from the first time I met you. Its been amazing watching you learn and grow throughout the opportunities you have been given. You have many terrific qualities! You possess all the qualities a successful social worker would need to succeed. I hope one day that you will pursue your career in social work. I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for you. Moreover, you have provided guidance and direction to those you serve.
MaryBeth you are a leader who continues to learn and grow and carry the torch for all of us to follow. I am proud to walk beside you and be your friend.
Way to go Mary Beth. You are an inspiration to many, if not all, of the Peer Support Specialists. May your walk of recovery be filled with much joy.
with strenghtfrom peers and love from us all, you will continue to soar
Mary Beth, I had no idea how tough it got. You'd never know to look at you girl (smile). Today you stand tall and are a beautiful woman and a wonderful mother. I am honored to call you my friend, and you've help me to grow with your knowledge, humor and great hugs! Like me, big girls give the best hugs! (smile) I consider you one of "my babies" with Fawn and the kids, and wish we were closer geographically. In my heart you are right here, and I will always be there for you, just ask. I can't wait for your new baby, and cuddling him/her. You honored me with your request and it means alot. Thank you. May God richly bless you and your family for all of the wonderful, selfless things you've done for friends and strangers. No one is a stranger to us aye? I love you sugar.
Love,
Debi
Hey, Mary Beth, I enjoyed reading your story, smiling the whole time, remembering you and how hard you have worked for these achievements. You are an incredible young woman. You have proven that a person can pull oneself out of the depths of depression with help and determination. I wish you the best of everything. I miss "my" little girls. What is this about number four??
hey mary reading through your story brought tears to my eyes and inspiration to my heart i have had the pleasure of knowing u and learning from u i could not leave with out saying i am glad u decided to share your story and spread hope to the hopeless your smile and SUPERMOM skills keep me inspired to not only keep going to be the best peer i can but also it lets me know that i dont have to give up my dream to help others in the process so thanks sweetie for being u and leading us all by example…..Dria