Years ago when I worked in Central Office for what was then DMHMRSAS (Maine’s Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services), a researcher from the Vermont Dept of Mental Health told us their research had found that what people with serious and persistent mental illness want and need are the same three things we all want and need: a home, a job, a friend.
“Home” doesn’t have to be the American dream of a nice little house with a white picket fence. It can be any place where we feel safe, comfortable and have some privacy; something to call ours.
“Job” does not mean paid employment. It means purpose, something that gives us a sense of value and could be volunteering, taking care of one’s grandchildren, whatever.
“Friend” means feeling loved, and can be as simple as having a cat or dog, a person or creature that you can care about and for, and feel loved in return.
A home, a job, a friend. It covers all the important stuff, doesn’t it?
Happy holidays, no matter how or what you celebrate.
Categories: Holidays, Inspiration, Mental Health
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