After talking with Lynn about her job as night manager (Lynn's Story), I was introduced to LP, a resident of Catherine's House since October 28th, 2012. She has only been there for a few short weeks and already has gotten more help and love and respect than in her entire life. Here is her story; I will try to retell it with as much zeal and thankfulness as she expressed.
In 1987, LP was diagnosed with major depression with psychiatric traits. Back then, no one understoood or even wanted to acknowledge mental illness as something needing attention. Her family was very "white collar" and had no intention of exposing their daughter's "problems." She attended the best private school in her hometown and was very popular. She had a lot of friends and was very involved.
During one of the summer vacations, LP became extremely paranoid about everything. She questioned everything around her. Everyone, she felt, was judging and talking about her. Their opinions were constantly surrounding her and she didn't trust anyone. She was treated and hospitalized for a while to help with her paranoia.
"I went from being homecoming queen to hospitalization. It was humiliating but I had no other choice...no one wants to be in my position."
Her parents continued to refuse to believe the severity of her condition, believing that mental illness is something the individual can control. Pushed by her parents, LP went to college and eventually earned her masters. She worked hard and got a good job, because what else was there for her to do? After 9/11, she moved to Germany with an incredible job and lived there for five years. But her depression and paranoia became too much in the work field.
"When you have paranoia, everything is a definite. You don't worry that someone might be judging you, you KNOW they are. You don't think its might be happening, you are SURE it is."
When she moved back to the United States, LP eventually met her husband and had a daughter. But once again, her mental illness became too much of a strain and they were eventually divorced. LP knew that God was calling her to face her issues and get some help. She checked into a facility for treatment, and it was the worst experience of her life.
"Did they tell you that I am ninety percent deaf in one ear and about sixty in the other? Well the place I went didn't believe me. They thought I was faking it for attention. They would force me in loud, high-pitched situations because no one believed. They wouldn't even test me to be sure. That among many things literally made it the worse experience of my life. It is incredibly tragic to me that from 1987 to 2012 I wasn't getting the help I needed."
By the grace of God, someone mentioned to LP she might want to check out Catherine's House. Within hourse, she made a call and was soon admitted into Catherine's House. As she said at the beginning, she has never felt such peace as in Catherine's House. "On the first day, Sister Carmelita looked at me point blank and said 'You are OK'. She didn't say it like I needed to be pitied or caressed. She said it like it was the most absolute truth in the world. And I believed her, amazingly. Sister Caroline told me this is where I need to be. I will get the help I need. Again, I wasn't for one instant skeptical."
LP said that she has never been to a place so saturated in truth. Catherine's House takes care of business and has given her the tools to be better. She would bend over backwards and do anything, anything for Sister Carmelita or Sister Caroline if they asked. She would drop everything for them, and she has only been there since the end of October!
"This place is a major gift from God. I've been all over the world. I know good from bad. I've seen the worst of the worst treatment. But I don't worry here. It is normal and honest and straightforward. They don't trick you or lie to you. If there was a place like this everywhere, there would be no problems in the world."
Her favorite part of Catherine's House is how they treat her daughter who visits four days a week. When LP asked her daughter what she loves about Catherine's House, she automatically answered "Sister Carmelita!"
Acknowledging the road ahead of her, LP said that someone really has to have hit rock bottom and has to want help if they are to get better. The people at Catherine's House have challenged her and searched her heart in ways that are sometimes very difficult to face. But her desire to get better has led her to trust the people who want to help her.
"If you are interested in changing, for things to happen, Catherine's House puts you on a path where you realize you are SAFE, you CAN, and you are LOVED. This place...this place is the best place ever."
Sincerely,
Megan
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