Amanda’s story is one of resilience, hope and growth.
She found her path to healing with the support of Columbia River Mental Health Services after facing years of stress, depression, chronic pain, anxiety and cognitive decline due to trauma.
In 2018, she found herself struggling to cope, ultimately losing her job due to mental and physical health challenges.
The turning point came the following year, when a car accident nearly cost Amanda her foot, leading to five surgeries and extensive recovery time. This healing period allowed her to reflect on her life and make essential changes.
Amanda connected with CRMHS and dedicated herself to making the most of the mental health services offered, attending meetings with staff, often on a weekly basis.
Getting Help and Moving Forward
Over the past 4 years, Columbia River has been instrumental in Amanda’s recovery.
Amanda shares, “I started to see a light at the end of the tunnel. My foot was healing. My depression and anxiety were getting better, and my mind started getting clearer. I wanted to keep moving forward.”
CRMHS staff also introduced Amanda to additional resources, including a case manager, a certified peer support counselor, a psychiatrist and an employment specialist. CRMHS wrap-around services provided comprehensive support that Amanda had never experienced before.
“The feeling of having CRMHS as a support system has been life-changing. I no longer want to self-harm, and I actually love myself and put myself first for the first time in my entire life.”
A New Beginning
Amanda’s experience at CRMHS not only helped her, but also ignited a passion for assisting others on their own mental health journeys.
Amanda now has the time, motivation and mental fortitude to pursue her true passions, creating art with purpose and making jewelry. She hopes to one day help others express themselves through self-reflective art projects by becoming an art therapist.
With the encouragement of CRMHS this past year, Amanda earned her peer support certificate and hopes to be a lighthouse that helps guide others in their mental health journey.
Ensuring Everyone Gets the Help They Need
CRMHS is able to accept all people, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, because of donations. More people in our community, such as Amanda, need counseling to ensure they’re the best and happiest versions of themselves.
Will you give today to provide counseling services to one person in our community?
