LEE

PHOTO BY RANDY BACON

LEE

“Seek Help”

I became homeless in 2013 because I walked away from a dysfunctional relationship. I didn’t address my feelings and emotions, so I put all my energy in alcohol; I was a bad alcoholic. I was homeless for 3 years. I slept on bridges, porches, and benches. I lost everything I owned. I lost hope.

I started getting very depressed and not caring about myself for 3 years.

I went to the Veterans Center, and I would read the resource board daily. I kept seeing a message from Burrell stating if you are depressed, hopeless, and tired, we can help you. I got with Burrell in 2014.

After my psych evaluation I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and major depression. I started taking medications and began to feel clear headed. I was housed by Burrell in 2016 and I now have 6 years sober. I felt the need to give back, so I volunteered everywhere help was needed. I wanted to be an example and show others that recovery is possible. I was offered a job at Burrell and now I work as a certified peer specialist. That’s what keeps me going and if I never addressed my mental state I probably would still be in my addictions.

I would tell someone struggling with addiction and mental illness to seek help; you can’t go it alone. There is support available and people that want to help you.