Recovery Stories - Richard's story

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, his message is one of hope – things do get better.

“A lot of people do not understand mental illness….”

My whole mission in life is to be the best man I can be. I want to let people know that despite mental illness, we can still lead meaningful, productive lives.

For people with mental illness, I tell them the magic word to hold on to is hope. Always have hope – things do change. Things don’t always stay bad or negative. Things do get better.

What works for me and keeps me going day by day is my spiritual awareness. Believing in something that is greater than myself.

Being in a hospital is not a negative thing – sometimes we need a little help and coming to a hospital does that. At times our journey begins in the hospital, and when we get out of the hospital, our journey continues on the outside.

A lot of people do not understand mental illness. They think it is a mark of shame, a stigma or disgrace. I just tell people we have to stand united, to stand up for our rights and let people know that we are just like everyone else. We want to do the same things. We want to be productive. We want to lead meaningful lives. I tell people just not to give up.

Everybody’s journey to mental health is different. It is a personal thing. Still I encourage people. Everybody likes to feel like they belong. I tell people, “Don’t give up. Seek support from the staff and the other patients.”

I tell the other patients at Belmont, sometimes people who are withdrawn. I tell them to talk to that person. When you are in a hospital you are not just there for yourself. Your life touches other lives.

I was withdrawn when I came to Belmont. I didn’t want to talk to anyone and I felt scared. I didn’t know how to trust people. But there were doctors and therapists and especially other patients who got to know me and who encouraged me and made me feel like I was special.

Coming to Belmont Center, people may feel afraid. They feel alienated, mistrustful. When a person comes into the hospital, I tell them it is just a part of your journey in mental health.