Jarvis' Mental Health Recovery & Beyond

If you know me, which by and large I assume that if you are reading this you do, you know that I have consistently valued transparency when it comes to my journey and struggles with my mental health. I have been living with an assortment of mental health conditions for the majority of my adult life. Diagnosed thus far, I currently live with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

While medication in conjunction with psychotherapy can typically manage the symptoms of my conditions, Borderline Personality Disorder works a little bit differently. A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates from the expectations of societal norms, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time. While medication can be helpful in alleviating symptoms, and there is no "cure" per se, Borderline Personality Disorder is absolutely treatable and recovery is possible!

This past January I took the biggest step towards addressing my BPD and mental health conditions by enrolling in an 8-week Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP) Program through Omega Recovery. I was drawn to this particular program due to the holistic nature in which they approach their treatment. During my initial pre-screen for this outpatient program, I was informed that due to the severity of the Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms I was exhibiting that I would be a better candidate and have a higher likelihood of success enrolling in their Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) instead. This was not an option that I was averse to consider, however, there was a significant cost difference between the two programs, PHP cost 5.5x times more than IOP. I ended up opting for the lesser of the two options because I had just enough money stashed away in my savings account to cover the entire cost for IOP on my own and I was too proud to ask for financial assistance at that time.

I found the IOP program to be incredibly beneficial in opening my worldview to tools and coping skills that I had not had access to previously. It was certainly a great starting point for the self-work that needed to do and a very welcome part of my journey towards recovery. But, as previously alluded to from my pre-screen, outpatient therapy did not provide me with enough consistent structure or implementation of these skills for me to carry on successfully upon my graduation from this program. At the hands of my mental illness, my destructive behaviors and abusive tendencies continued to manifest and hurt those closest to me. I lacked the self-awareness to see these behaviors or notice just how long these behaviors and actions have continued to harm those who care for me most.

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The need for my seeking treatment is immediate. I am being admitted to Omega Recovery's 60-Day PHP program on Sunday, June 20, 2021. At this time I am feeling hopeful, and optimistic about my continued journey towards recovery. I am familiar with many of the staff at Omega from my previous enrollment in IOP and find their approach to treatment will set me up with opportunities for success upon my graduation.

"Traditional treatment programs put the struggling individual in an artificial treatment bubble where it’s relatively easy to feel good, but inevitably when that client leaves treatment, they are unprepared to deal with the stress of everyday life ... The success rates at traditional rehabs are so low because they don’t adequately prepare a client for real life."

At Omega Recovery, they have a dedicated treatment plan specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, where I will live within a “community integration” model, where I will "have the opportunity to learn or relearn how to perform everyday tasks such as making dinner, doing chores, financial planning, and ... will be a part of a tight-knit community and will be encouraged to offer support to their housemates along their journey ... all with staff supervision, and clinical staff that can help them process any and all the feelings and emotions that can so often arise in early recovery"

"During a typical week in programming clients will participate in motivational interviewing(MI), dialectical behavioral therapy(DBT), mindfulness meditation, relapse prevention, breathwork, and psychodrama. They will also have opportunities to participate in body movement therapies such as yoga, karate, and Qi Gong. Clients struggling with trauma will have the option to participate in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing(EMDR) facilitated by licensed, trained clinicians. Omega Recovery also utilizes the beautiful landscapes and parks of Austin, Texas for nature immersion groups and therapeutic excursions, such as rock climbing, ropes courses, kayaking, and hiking. Afternoons are spent at the Townlake YMCA participating in Active Recovery Coaching."

You can find more information about their treatment program here: https://omegarecovery.org/inpatient-rehab-in-austin-tx-omega-recovery/

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As previously mentioned, the cost for treatment (with insurance and my deductible already met from my previous IOP enrollment) is significant, which is why I have set the ambitious goal for this fundraiser at $10k.

For transparency, I am breaking down the cost of treatment below:

• $200 Admin Fee to hold my bed (paid)
• $2500/month for 2 months of housing ($5000 total).
• $600/month co-pay for treatment ($1200 total).

The above alone comes out to $6,400. Why set the goal for $10k? I will be on FMLA leave from work for the next 60 days. This guarantees by law that I am able to retain my job and health insurance benefits while on medical leave. FMLA does NOT provide coverage for any lost wages to cover my monthly bills. The excess exceeding the coverage of treatment will go towards my bills, as well as securing stable housing for myself after discharge from my PHP program. This fundraising goal may be extended in the future contingent on potential expenses incurred regarding the transition from inpatient housing to my next place of residence upon discharge.

The next couple of months and beyond are going to be incredibly difficult, and the greatest challenge I have faced in my life thus far. I will be widely unavailable while in treatment until earning limited phone privileges. If I've ever made a small difference in your life, or if you believe in the possibility of my personal growth and change into being the happy, healthy, and productive person I deserve to be, your donation in any amount is incredibly appreciated. I love you all, and I look forward to reconnecting with everyone as the best version of myself that I can be.