By David E. Dickman - BUYLINESconsultancy
“I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and depression my junior year of college. I was a psychology major. I suspected I suffered from depression, but didn't want to think about taking medication and fought against taking any prescription drugs for another 10 years.”
To regain her life, RPC wrestled with formidable inner forces: “I guess in my case, ‘recovery mode’ began when I decided to take medication for my anxiety and depression. The biggest challenge was facing the fact that I would have to be on medication, perhaps for the rest of my life – I attached a lot of shame and defeat to this. Sometimes I still feel shame about being on medication for a mental illness.” RPC goes on to say, “I know I can function without my medication, but I know I function a lot better with it. It requires a certain humility to be able to take medication everyday.”
RPC won that struggle. She finished college and earned a Master’s degree while volunteering at a mental health resource center. Before going on for her PhD (currently enrolled), RPC wanted more from her professional life. She turned to Resource Partnership to take her working life to another level. “I already knew of Resource Partnership. I knew it was a good place for someone re-entering the work force,” RPC says.
Resource Partnership proved to be just the solution RPC was looking for, “I made an appointment with a job counselor to identify my long and short term goals. He asked me a lot of questions and showed me the databases to research opportunities. He also helped me update my resume. I liked the structure Resource Partnership provided. Checking in with a job search counselor helped me to set weekly goals and provided a source to report my activities.”
Not only did Resource Partnership provide an environment of structure and discipline, they helped RPC land a job in June of 2004 where she has since been promoted twice.
RPC concludes with these thoughts on Resource Partnership and the profound effect this agency has had in her life, “Resource Partnership is a great resource for many different needs. It helped that I was aware of my needs and could articulate them to Resource Partnership. I also believe Resource Partnership could have helped even if I wasn't able to define my needs. It's a worthwhile program that covers a broad range of issues. If you are willing to do the workand are open to the resources available, Resource Partnership is a great option. It may seem too good to be true; I felt fortunate that these services were available to me. I took the help that was offered andwhen I found myself in a stable situation with regards to employment, I took the good will experience I received from Resource Partnership and volunteered to serve a community inneed. I did this by training to become a volunteer case reviewer with DSS and a mediator for a college. I feel truly successful now that I am in a position where I can help others.”
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