January Article

This is a the article I wrote in the January Newsletter.

A word to our members
By Timothy Kiewel

I was asked to write something special for this month’s newsletter. I was asked to submit a piece about why a mental illness may not be such a bad thing. In fact, though tough to live with, it could just be a blessing. It is my hope that this speaks to every member here at Breakthrough and that it is one which inspires us as well. It isn’t every day someone is given a chance to express him or herself before so many people, so I feel very humbled, to say the least.
Let me tell you from my own perspective. I’ve been coming to the clubhouse now for a couple months or so, practically every day, and after the shock of adjusting to a new place, my first impressions of Breakthrough started to form. To be honest, I was very alarmed by how many members were able to carry on so well day to day with a serious illness. Without a real solution to problems such as repeated visits to the hospital, torn relationships, and loss of functionality, it is no doubt one of the greatest qualities in any individual I have ever seen—looking past one’s illness.

Each day I come to Breakthrough much as a volunteer would, as a necessary part of the community, and I feel that my participation is very important, that I could not be replaced. But many of my peers do not seem to feel the same way about their lives. Every human being is important, and the fact that so many people are succeeding at living with mental illness shows me how sorely our club and organizations like it are needed.

Every individual matters, and deserves a life they desire, whether they have a mental illness or not. As for me, meeting someone for the first time at Breakthrough is a joyful experience. More than a few times I have been asked if I were staff, but I suppose it is natural. Seeing as how some people do not appear “mentally ill”; it didn’t take me long to get annoyed by this particular question. I felt that, in time, my reaction to the question would pass, and it did. However, I gradually began to take it as a compliment with a grain of salt.

For instance, after learning of Breakthrough’s staff-member interaction policies I felt angry that the two groups were separated at all. I looked into the issue, and reflected on what I had found. That is when the difference between staff and members really began to confuse me. In time, I began to notice how staff could very well be struggling with the same things as members were usually known for. And, quite often, a member would accomplish something more difficult, which I feel has always been the earmark of those who have never battled a mental illness.

Those with a mental illness, the people I know at least, are an inspiration. They get up everyday, get dressed, and go out their front doors ready to take on the world in their own unique, wonderful ways. Every day I see a small picture of how the entire world could someday be, just by working alongside members and staff here. Some of the strongest characteristics I’ve ever seen in anybody come from our members here and the staff who strive with them.
For almost a decade, nine years, I’ve known about the Breakthrough clubhouse, but never came, never understood their purpose. I was afraid and I placed limits on myself. I didn’t know how to take action. I faced challenges every day that simply got the better of me, because I felt alone. I didn’t want to take the time to take care of myself. And I didn’t have the friends I have today because of this. I feel that there is nothing greater than overcoming one’s weaknesses, and that is where I get the feeling of breaking through.

It is not always the one with a mental illness who struggles, by any means. By comparison, it is also difficult for those who have physical impairments, such as paralysis or deformity. The ‘normal’ person has life itself to cope with, which is difficult for everyone. And when struggling with various difficulties in life, it isn’t always apparent, and is often overlooked. This is what I feel could be the most negative aspect of mental illness in general. When someone is dealing with life’s more difficult challenges, it is very hard for anyone to understand, or know how to help.
Everyone must be at one time or another forced to deal with certain issues such as the death of a dear family member, or unemployment. Such things can have nothing to do with mental illness, and can be just as hard to live with. This is why, I believe, society must look to our success for insight in such situations. With a mental illness, the fight is difficult day after day, and it cannot be solved by simply finding a job, or letting go of a loved one who has passed away.

I do not intend to find a short answer to these problems, by any means, but they are solvable. Mental illness is not, at least not in the same sense. There are many days which even staff members, here working with us at Breakthrough, lose motivation, run out of steam, or struggle to live healthy lives. Being around us is a constant motivator though, let me assure you. Every day we lift up our colleagues. But we do not always see this. The point I hope you will see is how we may be heroes to other people around us and have no idea we are even doing anything. We see each other and think, as peers, that we are constantly struggling, or living somewhere between well and unwell. But there is so much more to be seen in us than that. There is inspiration in each and every person, and it is especially powerful in those with mental illness. And it can be readily seen if you just look for it.

To say it all in a final word, success is not just how much money we make, or how perfect we can be. Success is going on in light of one’s shortcomings. And I would like to commend each and every one of you for providing your own light for me to walk in. It has been all the difference for me. I would long ago have fallen into a state of despair and loathing had I not found so many people doing all they can with their lives, day in and day out. So, I would like to say, Congratulations to you on your great success.