CC’s story

“During the darkest time of my life, I felt helpless, worthless, and that things would never get better. Now I know there’s hope.”

I took in my mom for many years. You never know as a caretaker how that can affect you. I was up all night listening to her sleep — you get nervous, you get anxious.  And then she passed away and I started going down; it was just, a whirlwind of sadness. I knew in my mind I wouldn’t survive that.

Mental illness has such a stigma. People don’t understand.

I have my struggles, but I’m here, and I’m working through it. Everyone here gets cared for. They’re always there for you, that’s number one. I mean always. It saves a lot of lives.

When someone’s emotionally bringing me down, I’ve learned to say, ‘You know what, that’s a little too much for me.’ I’m not where I want to be, but I’m definitely not where I used to be. It’s better now.

CC’s developed valuable coping skills while attending Mount Eden Bronx PROS, a program of our partner Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. The program provides recovery-oriented and rehabilitation services for people who are living with mental illness.