John Miller
My dad always believed that everyone should be loved and cared for. He would go often out of his way to help anyone who was struggling. Dirty, smelly, crying, in crisis, intoxicated on the street, or just hungry, he thought it was important to help them. He would say that if he “…didn’t help them, who would?” Carried that with me after he died in 2004. Since then, I aggressively sought ways to help people. I found that my own journey to mental health recovery was a big encouragement to others, and used that experience to help those who were struggling. I think that so many people struggle mental health issues, we think that it’s either too difficult or uncomfortable because it is so common place, or we feel unqualified. Some of us might think, “How can I help someone else, when I myself have mental health problems?” There is so much reward in helping others reach that place of recovery, that once we reach that place to help others, it gives a positive outlook on our own journey. As an instructor, I feel that helping others learn the skills needed to help their communities, friends, and loved ones brings me that extra reward. I hope that as instructors teach our communities about mental health first aide, and more people reach out to help others, than maybe other people might experience how their recovery and their struggle might encourage others to seek help and live fulfilling lives, not captive to their mental health disabilities.
John Miller
Client Relations Associate
De Paul Treatment Centers