Lesson #6 presents three very different examples of the great courage found in those recovering from their experiences with mental illness.

Lesson #6– People with Mental Illnesses are Courageous

Cora was first hospitalized at the age of 16, when she received drugs and shock treatment, but left hospital saying she felt worse than when she entered.  She spoke at an Employment Dinner meeting at Fountain House:

“Well, I’m going to tell my age.  Okay, I’m 28 years old. I’m a Dictaphone secretary at a big textile company… I go to school two nights a week and I’m studying to be a court reporter.  I have my own apartment, and I have a cat, and I have a boyfriend, and I have a driver’s license, and I have a piano and that’s now… I came (to Fountain House) ten years ago, when I was 18 years old.  I had a small, little tiny room in the Y.  I had no job, and I collected money from Welfare… I was very, very nervous, and very, very frightened; and I think it showed all over my face.”

Cora joined the clubhouse, became involved in day program.  She went to school but had a rehospitalization.  When she was discharged , she returned to Fountain House and participated in some part-time placements before going on to full-time jobs.  At the time of the 1978 dinner she had been independently employed for 18 months and went on to say:

“I don’t know – I came here tonight and spoke to somebody, and I tried to get the feeling of what it was like before. I remember being terribly afraid of a full-time job. I mean they would tell you about full-time jobs, and it was the one thing I really didn’t want, you know? I was worried about (losing) my…Welfare, by risking a full-time job.
“Now, it amazes me that I felt that way, because I don’t feel that way now. Like this is the first summer that I’m keeping cool by my own air conditioner that I saved my own money to buy. I’ve seen bad things happen to people and I’ve seen good things happen, but, nowhere is there a place where you get so much support …It’s like a secret thing I learned from Fountain House and I may not want to tell anybody else about it; but you know, I was at work today and I knew I was coming to this dinner tonight, and I know to me this dinner’s very important, but I’m not going to tell anybody I’m coming here.”

Since that dinner Cora went on to marry her boyfriend, complete training and a successful career as a court stenographer.

The second example of courage is found with Richard W., a tall (6’6”) fellow, a year younger than I, whom I met in 1965. He has demonstrated over the years what courage it takes to fight against the demons of mental illness.  We got to know each other as he was learning a transitional employment (TE) messenger placement.  It was clear from the beginning that this was one conscientious man who wanted to do the job well even though most of the time he was tormented by his demons.

After completing that placement, Richard went on to a second TE and then obtained a full-time messenger job with an advertising company that he held for over 20 years until he was forced to leave due to increased physical problems.  He was physically fit enough, however, to then procure a job as a civilian employee with the New York City Police Department that he held until age and physical condition led to retirement.  Throughout his career, his courage was demonstrated by his lack of complaint, his desire to be productive and most of all a cheerful attitude, again despite the continuous struggle with his demons.  He has also been helped a lot over the years by the support of his good wife.

The third courageous person is Richard S., a 21-year old young man, who came to Fountain House after a short hospitalization.  He benefited from involvement in the in-house program, but he reacted to the conflict in Viet Nam.  Richard decided to enlist in the Army to serve his country. The day before he left I gave him my brass army belt buckle, as a token of our short, but meaningful, relationship. We never saw him again, as he killed in action in Viet Nam. His name is forever etched on the Viet Nam War Memorial in Washington, DC, for all to honor.  Many veterans returning from military service benefit from involvement in rehabilitation programs, such as clubhouses.  Richard S. is, to my knowledge, a unique example of someone who went from a rehabilitation program to military service – an ideal example of courage.

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