Christian Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

[__ Prayer __] First Step forward!

It was amazing!

I like my trainer. She speaks in a way that is interesting and motivating.
There are 3 other people in our class. 2 ladies, a gentleman.
Peer support is less involved as I thought it would be. I learned that the most important thing we do is listen. We can't counsel them, but we can help them get counseling by getting a hold of resources together.

I was a little paranoid. A little uncomfortable. But that is why I am there--- to learn how to cope better in ways I haven't thought of, and to learn social skills so I can interact with people without worrying about their motives or judgments of me.

I have to say that, that I have a satisfied sense of accomplishment just being able to be brave and go for it.
 
.
Dear Sister Angel, you seek a good thing. There’s an old cliché that desire is the beginning of achievement. In addition to this my prayer is for you to realize the comfort I see you already giving out to others.

The following article gives direction on this that might help you.

The word encouragement used in this verse is from the Greek word parakletos that can mean to exhort, come alongside of, comfort, or encourage. The Holy Spirit is referred to as our Paraclete in John 14:16 as One who comes alongside the believer to comfort and help in times of need.
https://compellingtruth.org/gift-of-encouragement.html
Thank you Eugene! I bookmarked this page so I can go back to it!
 
Today was interesting. The class goes by quickly!

I learned some of the history about the treatment of disability. Only 30 years ago (and I'm 32 so I'm the first generation!) did the US start to provide programs to help the mentally ill have a better quality of life. Before Christ, If you had symptoms you were considered demon possessed. They would nail a hole in the skull to let the demon get out of them. They also would shock the ill in super hot water or super cold water to "shock them back to normal".

I learned about how the state receives billions of dollars to put into programs for the mentally ill such as the program I am involved with.

I am learning how to be an advocate to a peer who is mentally ill, which is why it is called Peer Support.

I have a lot to study! But I am having a great time. Class again isn't until next Monday.

At first I was feeling paranoid. However I said something and the trainer asked me what I do to cope when this happens and I told her, "I put my headphones on and leave the situation" so she said that if I needed to step out for a minute I could. But, after I expressed myself I was able to focus and I wasn't bothered anymore at all.

I know there are going to be times when I have symptoms, but I am determined to learn and do my best. I am forcing myself to experience symptoms and finding a way to cope. Today I got a worksheet with information about how we respond to situations and that is very helpful!

So, praise God- I made it through!

And after class I was walking to the bus stop and Matt showed up to ride home with me. He had to take the bus down, lol. He is so sweet.

Thanks for asking Wrg1405! :)
 
sounds great, angel. My counselor talked to me about something similar, at some point...

...so, is this done out of the outpatient clinic? would they put you in the hospital(s) to talk to people? I'm curious...
 
No, it is not an out-patient clinic. It is a club house for the mentally ill. They offer a lot of programs. If you are curious as to what those are PM me.

The job is to be an advocate for the person you are supporting. You cannot counsel them. You help them obtain the services that they need. For instance, I am not a Psychiatrist, so I cannot diagnose them. BUT I can help them pick up the phone and call for help. Whether they need a med adjustment, need to enter counseling, or go to an event, you can't address these things because you are not educated and hold a position to do those things. You help them to reach out to their resources.

Another instance, if they find out that you go to church, you can't invite them to your church, but you can offer them a list of the churches in the area. And if you see the client outside support you can't even acknowledge them. You have to avoid contact for their safety and privacy.

There are a lot of jobs and some pay up to 14 dollars an hour. Not bad huh? I won't be working when I graduate, but I just thought I'd include that.

Mentally Ill clinics wont tell you about the benefits you can receive. You have to do some research and ask lots of questions.

That's what I've learned in two days of classes lol
 
No, it is not an out-patient clinic. It is a club house for the mentally ill. They offer a lot of programs. If you are curious as to what those are PM me.

The job is to be an advocate for the person you are supporting. You cannot counsel them. You help them obtain the services that they need. For instance, I am not a Psychiatrist, so I cannot diagnose them. BUT I can help them pick up the phone and call for help. Whether they need a med adjustment, need to enter counseling, or go to an event, you can't address these things because you are not educated and hold a position to do those things. You help them to reach out to their resources.

Another instance, if they find out that you go to church, you can't invite them to your church, but you can offer them a list of the churches in the area. And if you see the client outside support you can't even acknowledge them. You have to avoid contact for their safety and privacy.

There are a lot of jobs and some pay up to 14 dollars an hour. Not bad huh? I won't be working when I graduate, but I just thought I'd include that.

Mentally Ill clinics wont tell you about the benefits you can receive. You have to do some research and ask lots of questions.

That's what I've learned in two days of classes lol
How was Monday?
 
It went well. :) I'm pretty sleepy but its interesting enough to stay awake :p
I caught up on my sleep today after class. I fear much better
The material is coming naturally to me. But, there is also a lot of things to memorize.
Thanks for checking up on me Wrg1405 <3
 
hi. me again, lol.

I don't have many good study tips. Flash cars are always good. Trying to connect what you're learning to things you already know helps me. Are there a lot of rules and regulations to memorize? Cuz that could be difficult for anybody, I think.

So...these clubhouses...what do you they do? Do the people there get to hang out and socialize, or is it more about the professionals guiding things?

Again, I'm glad you're doing this. Please keep us all posted on how things are going. :)
 
Both!

In order to join the club you have to be SMI. There is free breakfast and lunch.There's a computer room where people learn how to use computers and apply for jobs. You can be social and talk to others. There's volunteering and group therapy. There are classes, such as math class or the one I'm going to. After completing my class they help you with a resume and apply for work in the area we are studying. You can't be a specialist without a certificate.. I'm sure there is more, I just started going in the middle of October.
 
that's exciting! I don't think the community mental health clinic here does that. There's the outpatient clinics, a hospital, and some kind of "cottage" community where they keep people who were in (or would be in) the state mental hospital. Other than that...I don't think they do a whole lot. Actually...they don't even do group therapy stuff here, unless you're a drug user. Weird.

Anyway...I'm glad things are going so well for you, and thanks for keeping us (me, lol) posted on everything.

Do you have a state mental hospital where you live? South Carolina's was sitting on some prime real estate, so most of its been $old off. Its weird...now, they don't even keep the not guilty by reason of insanity people in the hospital. They hospitalize them for a couple months and then send them back into the community, on some kind of treatment agreement. I mean, it saves $$$ and I guess its "progressive," but...wow.

Ramble...you're in my prayers. :)
 
...I learned that the most important thing we do is listen...

How profound. I guess that's why we have two ears, but only one mouth. To listen twice as often as we speak.

We have to be teachable, and that includes being a good listener. True for anything but even moreso with our Lord. He wants to teach us, and have us (want to) conform to His ways...!

Who wouldn't want to be taught by God? Lol. Throwing off preconceived notions and traditions of man, and hear the Lord's truth and believe it. Reading His Word, and listening...we may not fully understand it, but know it's true and we receive it.
:woot2
 
Back
Top