The YOU MATTER Movement

Art of Being ME-Portraits and Stories

LEE

Portrait of Lee as featured in Art of Being ME an exhibition of mental health by Randy Bacon and Produced by Burrell Behavioral Health

PHOTO BY RANDY BACON

LEE

“Seek Help”

 

I became homeless in 2013 because I walked away from a dysfunctional relationship. I didn’t address my feelings and emotions, so I put all my energy in alcohol; I was a bad alcoholic. I was homeless for 3 years. I slept on bridges, porches, and benches. I lost everything I owned. I lost hope.

I started getting very depressed and not caring about myself for 3 years.

I went to the Veterans Center, and I would read the resource board daily. I kept seeing a message from Burrell stating if you are depressed, hopeless, and tired, we can help you. I got with Burrell in 2014.

After my psych evaluation I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and major depression. I started taking medications and began to feel clear headed. I was housed by Burrell in 2016 and I now have 6 years sober. I felt the need to give back, so I volunteered everywhere help was needed. I wanted to be an example and show others that recovery is possible. I was offered a job at Burrell and now I work as a certified peer specialist. That’s what keeps me going and if I never addressed my mental state I probably would still be in my addictions.

I would tell someone struggling with addiction and mental illness to seek help; you can’t go it alone. There is support available and people that want to help you.

Randy Bacon