I’ll admit, I’m a huge Glee fan- from the very beginning, the show, it took me back to some of my very favorite days of competing in choir in high school (oh so long ago!). And so, the news of Cory Monteith’s passing this week was devastating to me. Not just because a beloved character, great actor, and amazing singer is now gone before his time, but because his death highlights the very human struggle millions of others also battle: substance abuse/dependence. The news of his accidental overdose brought back memories of my work with a previous client/patient…and how, despite how well the client/patient’s life was going post treatment, he, too, overdosed on drugs.
A driving force for my work and passion in working with substance abuse and addictions is that the substances completely devastates people’s lives and too often, end their life too soon. I’ve seen how addictions can tear apart families, lead to feelings of anger, shame, sadness, and anxiety. The struggle to cope with “life on life’s terms” often lead to further destructive behaviors and isolation. Celebrity stories only give a glimpse into the profound experiences of many others who battle with their mental health and substance abuse. I wonder with each death, are we (community, family, substance abuse treatment, etc) doing enough?
While I have witnessed the depths of suffering, despair, and hopelessness associated with addictions and mental health disorders, I’ve also seen individuals with incredible resilience. They have inspired me with their abilities to persevere through adversity, surviving traumatic experiences that would cripple anyone: sexual abuse, neglect, prostitution, or combat. Their willingness to push through feelings of fear, hopelessness, and inadequacy and in their recovery, begin to take risks to address their issues, integrate and strengthen their sense of self, and achieve their goals to start living full and meaningful lives moves me. I have been honored to work with those who allow me to accompany them on the journey out of the darkness. I continue to hope that my work (both clinically and through this blog) will inspire others to seek help needed: you are not alone.
Live, Lift, Eat 