By Tamekia Johnson

Tamekia works in our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division. We are grateful for her service and writing and sharing her reason for working in the mental health field.

My career in mental health began June 2011. I had applied for the position of front office assistant at an inpatient psych facility. I had yet to define what my purpose in this world would be, other than earning a consistent paycheck. After 7.5 years at the inpatient psych facility, and three promotions, I moved on to the role of outpatient case management, for the duration of 11 months. My current role is peer support lead for Blackbird House. I have most definitely found my purpose. But more importantly, I innately discovered something much more profound. I discovered that I experience the most peace in my life when I can be of help to others. This is one of the many reasons I work with those who are mentally ill.

Peace is defined in Webster’s dictionary as freedom from disturbance, quiet, and tranquility. The majority of religions define peace as the absence of a storm. I can relate to both definitions wholeheartedly. Webster’s definition speaks volumes; as this directly relates to the inner tranquility, I personally experience in knowing that I give 100% to the people we serve. The religious definition speaks volumes to the professional role I play in their lives, reassuring them that their storm is temporary, and by actively participating in their own recovery their storm may dissipate.

I’ve become well-versed, in what it means to “meet people where they are at in life.” This is such a powerful, universal statement. This allows us to maintain the dignity of clients as we guide them through the many facets of recovery and the many skills that can assist them along the way (DBT, WRAP, DTR, MI –SBIRT, etc.). That statement is best received when we have exhausted ALL options in a client’s treatment plan. Especially when we feel like we are not reaching our clients, or that we cannot change them, and we don’t make a difference. Then I remind myself of the above quote, “meet people where they are at in life.” I treat them as I would a family member suffering from an illness. By giving them unlimited compassion, empathy, empowerment & having patience. We all want others to meet us where we are at in life. We want and need others to recognize our moments of vulnerability… to give us advice through our personal trials and tribulations. We are one and the same, the clients and me, the clients and you.

There will be many variations working in mental health. Every day is subject to both positive and negative outcomes. But every day will be worth it. The miracles and changes in those suffering from a mental illness can begin with the ongoing role you as a staff member play in their lives. Clients have changed the way I look at the world. People used to say I was crazy and try to convince me to work elsewhere until I shared the fulfilling and heartfelt moments. In addition to the skills I have acquired that have made me better, i.e., DBT & WRAP. Daily, we prompt clients towards the light of recovery. But more importantly, we get to engage in the celebration when they meet or exceed their goals!

I work in mental health to make a difference in the lives of others. These are lives that many have overlooked, or lost hope in. Working in mental health, along with EVERY client interaction over my professional career, has reassured me that change happens, and is more likely to happen when staff promotes hope, wellness, and the power of recovery!