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Stories Narrative research project stories Clubhouse Rules OK!
Stories Narrative research project stories Clubhouse Rules OK!
Clubhouse Rules OK! |
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alcohol | bipolar disorder (manic depression) | community/socialising/inclusion | coping strategies | hospital | job loss | male | peer support (informal) and befriending | sense of self | suicide | voluntary mental health services | volunteering
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Published: September 2005 This story discusses how the Clubhouse organisation has aided in recovery. The Clubhouse has been pivotal to my recovery. It makes me feel valuable, supported and among friends. Plus I’m a member for life, not just until I ‘get better’ or move on. The long-term, flexible nature of my involvement with the Clubhouse is in contrast to other short-term initiatives I’ve been involved with in the past which were much less helpful. There’s a continuity in my life that wasn’t there before. I’m very much a routine man - that keeps me well. If I deviate from my routine it throws me. There’s no ‘them and us’ at the Clubhouse and you can negotiate for yourself what activity you get involved in, whether it’s making the sandwiches or helping with the accounts. It depends on your skills and how you feel on a given day. My bi-polar disorder was made a lot worse when I was made redundant and I was subsequently admitted to hospital. The alcohol group I attend supported me to give up the booze, but I tried to kill myself several times until I joined the Clubhouse. Clubhouses are part of an international movement, of which there are five in Scotland. It gives me a structured day similar to the one I had when I was working. I feel valuable to people. Being with people all day really helps, and passing on experience and knowledge to others is valuable. The ability to give something back is very important to me, as is the autonomy to be my own boss and find my own way. I’m doing a job, albeit unpaid, where there’s no bosses or rules or regulations. This story was written based on this individuals interview for the SRNs narrative research project entitled, 'Recovering Mental Health in Scotland'. More information about the project can be found in the Narrative Research Project section of our website www.scottishrecovery.net. If you’d like to share your own experience of recovery please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 240 7790 to discuss. Click here to go back to previous page |
Story Tags
activism community/socialising/inclusion coping strategies creativity depression employment (+) exercise female hospital male medication medication (-) peer support (informal) and befriending seeing things differently self knowledge/learning/growth self management sense of self support from family support from friends support from mental health professionals supportive spouse/partner taking control talking therapies voluntary mental health services volunteering Story disclaimer
The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure. See our Submit Your Thoughts pages for details on how to submit a story to us or you can contact us.
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