Why You, Why Me?
By Gail, November 2005
We are the lost, the lonely, the broken hearted.
Feel like giving up before we ever started.
Youthful plans and hopes and dreams
Turn into bare survival schemes.
Why you? Why me? Why indeed?
Society turns away from us
And often our families feel disgust.
We know that deep down inside
We're good but scared and so we hide.
Why you? Why me? Why indeed?
And so the days turn into weeks
Then the months turn into years
And our mournful cries for help
Fall onto too many deaf ears.
Society's outcasts, our family's scorn
Sometimes we wish we were never born.
But here we are
And here we be
Why you? Why me?
Why, why, why indeed?
Stories of Success
Susana's Story
My name is Susana and I am part of TAY (Transitional Age Youth). Being in TAY has been a great experience for me. In May 2007, TAY took a group of us to watch Spider-Man 3 at the IMAX in San Francisco. This was very exciting for me because it was my first time at the IMAX. And just last month, we all went bowling. I had a great time at both of these events.
Since I've been in TAY, I have been able to network with different people, all associated with mental health. Because I am a part of TAY, I was selected to go to a training in Sacramento to become a mentor for NAMI's Peer-to-Peer Program. This experience has helped me regain the confidence that I had lost three years ago when I have my first psychotic episode. TAY has also helped me become financially as well as socially independent. Thanks to this program I have a psychiatrist, I am receiving SSI, and soon I will be moving into my own apartment. These past three years I've been sick, I have been solely dependent on my parents. My family has been very supportive and now with the support of TAY, my family can relax a bit, since they know that I have a great support system from another source.
In addition to being a part of TAY, I have joined NAMI, Buckelew and I will soon be joining a program at the Wellness Center. It is no picnic having mental illness, but TAY has been a very positive and beneficial program. This program is so wonderful that I wish every youth with a mental illness had the great opportunity that I have.
Sarah's Story
I'm a client of the FACT (Forensic Assertive Community Team) program. A year and a half ago I was in a state of psychosis and wasn't functional. In the last year and half I've participated in this program that recognized mental illness. I've participated in drug and alcohol programs since 1991 and this is the first time I was given the opportunity to understand mental illness and to treat my disease. I went from a detention facility to a hospital and then to Opportunity House, and, in partnership with FACT and Buckelew, moved into housing with other members of the program. And now I've applied for and received independent housing. Through case management and therapeutic work and involvement in the spiritual community I work part-time referring baseball and basketball games. I also have a strong passion to return to school, and I'm taking human services education and introduction to crisis intervention. There are 32 students in the class and 26 are going into to mental health advocacy. I'm in indebted to the FACT program and continue to support and volunteer my time.
Mark's Story
I'm in the TAY (Transitional Aged Youth) program and about a year ago, they (the TAY program) picked me up at end of acute manic episode. At the time I didn't think anything was wrong with me. My case manager helped guide me to new attitudes about my illness. At the Tamayo house they plan a lunch with TAY residents and it's a really effective way to create sense of community. TAY has hired a good doctor to provide me with advice and medications. Before entering the TAY program I hadn't receive effective medication with any apparent benefits. They (TAY program staff) connect us to people who understand us and know what you've been through. My parents couldn't have me in my home because of my illness and I'd probably be in a state hospital without the TAY program.
For information and referrals: (707) 565-6900
24-hour Emergency Mental Health Hotline: (800) 746-8181