Turning Pain into Purpose: A Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy by Ivan

Turning Pain into Purpose: A Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy by Ivan - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

“Hi Ivan, I am Dr. Franklin. You were brought here because you ingested a substance known as rat poison. This type of poison contains chemicals that can be very harmful to humans. We have taken steps to treat the poisoning and stabilize your condition. It is important to monitor your recovery closely, so we will be conducting further tests and treatments to ensure you are on the path to full health. Do you have any questions or concerns about what happened?" I had a bunch of questions to ask at that point; like how I got to the hospital, when, where, and how did I ingest rat poison? But I did not ask because I was still processing what he said. So, I said no. Then he added, “The police are conducting an investigation, they will provide the details; for now, just focus on full recovery."
As a behavioral health technician, I worked in a house with five residents, all recovering from various kinds of addiction such as heroin, marijuana, alcohol, meth, and crack. My role was to ensure they followed their recovery plans, driving them to behavioral health classes every weekday morning, and guiding them through their daily routines. Over two years, I became deeply connected to their recovery journeys. Tom stood out amongst them; he was proactive and always willing to help. He often shared stories about his two young daughters, expressing that his recovery was for them. I shared my journey with him, explaining that my passion for helping those with mental and behavioral health challenges stemmed from losing my younger brother to a methamphetamine overdose. Seeing someone fully recover brought me immense joy, as if it were my brother.
One Tuesday morning, Tom was unusually reluctant to attend his behavioral health classes, claiming he was tired of the program despite being only five months from completion. Concerned, I told him I was always available to talk, but he remained distant. I informed the Registered Nurse, and we agreed to monitor him, thinking it might be a dreadful day. The next morning, after dropping off the clients, I found myself in the hospital; in front of Dr. Franklin. After four days, I was feeling much better and ready for discharge, the police had finalized their investigation too. Calmly, a detective explained, “The milkshake you took was poisoned by Tom, but he’s been arrested.” Shocked, I had many questions but wanted to talk to Tom. The officers arranged a meeting, where Tom, sobbing, confessed and apologized, saying he did not know why he did it. Seeing his genuine remorse, I decided not to press charges, telling him, “I did this for your girls who are eagerly waiting for you after these few months left.”
Dealing with mental and behavioral health patients can be incredibly challenging. It requires a blend of compassion, patience, and specialized knowledge to effectively support individuals in their journey toward mental wellness. I have witnessed the profound impact that empathetic care and consistent support can have on patients, often transforming lives. My close-to-death situation did not break me down; it solidified my big goal and commitment to pursuing a career in nursing, where I aspire to contribute to improving mental health services after graduation.
According to an article published on the recoverla.org website, an estimated 1,482,000 Los Angeles County residents alone struggle with a substance use disorder; which not only affects the person with the condition but also impacts their families, friends, and the community. The article also points out that of all these, only 1 percent sought treatment, 4 percent did not seek treatment but thought they should get it, and 95 percent did not seek treatment. In the quest to bridge this gap, I aim to develop integrated community mental health centers serving marginalized communities, offering holistic wellness services, including counseling, addiction treatment, and transition to community training sessions.
Additionally, I will provide follow-up programs and incentives like paid family dinners for those maintaining their recovery. These champions of recovery will also be considered for leadership at these mental health centers. For individuals struggling with addiction but afraid to seek help, I intend to create an innovative telehealth platform where patients feel understood and supported, leading to better health outcomes. By setting up these comprehensive support systems, I believe we can enrich our communities and foster holistic growth and recovery. My goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those affected by mental and behavioral health challenges. I owe all this to my brother.