“There’s a light at the end of every tunnel. To get there just follow the silver lining”

 – Anthon St. Maarten

Lucy’s eight-month journey under the care of Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) marked a profound chapter in her mental health recovery. Within the nurturing environment of the facility, Lucy found solace and the support that she needed.

Before JFBHS, Lucy was in and out of four different treatment facilities. She felt that they didn’t care about her personally, so when coming to JFBHS she thought the same. She tried to “trick” the staff into thinking she was fine so she can go home, but our staff knew better and it didn’t work on them.  

Over the previous four years, Lucy suffered from PTSD, depression disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder and didn’t know how to manage/understand her diagnoses. 

Lucy is extremely grateful the staff didn’t let her down. The staff motivated her and kept her focused on her treatment goals. Day by day, Lucy’s spirit grew brighter as she learned coping mechanisms, gained insight into her struggles, and forged connections with peers. JFBHS provided not just treatment but a sanctuary where Lucy could rebuild her sense of self-worth and resilience. 

Every staff member took part on Lucy’s journey but a few that she believes did an outstanding job are Ms. Leimberger, her therapist, Ms. Epps, our school’s activities coordinator, and Ms. Parson, a residential counselor. Although every staff member was amazing, thoughtful, and understanding. These three ladies stood out and played a huge part in her journey. 

Family therapy sessions played a pivotal role in Lucy’s healing journey as well. Lucy and her family were provided with a safe and structured space to navigate their dynamics and address underlying issues contributing to Lucy’s mental health challenges. Under the guidance of Ms. Leimberger, Lucy and her family engaged in open and honest dialogue to explore past traumas, express emotions, and set boundaries. Recognizing how their behaviors and communication patterns impacted one another, Lucy and her family gradually rebuilt and strengthened their bonds.

As she left the facility, Lucy carried with her not only newfound strength but also a renewed sense of hope for her future. She will graduate from high school in June and will attend college in August. She has already received her EMT certification so she can pursue her dreams of becoming an ER nurse. Lucy is very proud of herself for achieving milestones she never thought she could.