Lauren’s Story

For most of 3 decades I have struggled with my mental health. I was feeling isolated and my social life was not satisfying. I was discontent. I had heard from a friend about the Clubhouse before, but I was hesitant about approaching them. It was not something I thought I could manage so I stayed away. I felt like I was going nowhere and the people I was around did not encourage me, and I felt very uninspired. That period of my life dragged on. I felt worthless, depressed, and I did not feel like I would have anything to contribute.

That was when a friend of mine reminded me of Austin Clubhouse. Since October of 2018 I have been coming to Austin Clubhouse, and they have given me so much support throughout these years. I feel so much better about my life and purpose with them by my side.

Then between September of 2022 and February of 2024, I began to experience some difficulty getting to the Austin Clubhouse. This isolation is probably one of the reasons I relapsed in 2022 and 2023 and ended up in the mental hospital. Around those times the Clubhouse still regularly made their famous reach out calls to check in and see of I was okay. When I was having a challenging time getting out of my house, they even made a home visit and that made me feel like I was not alone. Even when I was having a hard time they still made me feel like I was needed and wanted..

In February this year, I knew I wanted to come back to the Clubhouse and get back to work. Next thing I knew, John Michael called to let me know a Transitional Employment position had opened for a local community gym. So I came in and took a tour and took the job straight away.

It was hard and there was a lot of work. I had multiple responsibilities and even added some, but I enjoyed the work very much. The people there, including members and staff, made me feel welcomed and appreciated in the same way Austin Clubhouse does. The work was rewarding. It helped keep me out of the hospital this year. I truly loved that I had this job. I know the person that will come after will feel the same way and the others will love it too. I just finished the six month milestone. 

This year I have stayed out of the mental hospital. My life feels brighter and more accomplished. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. I truly appreciate all of this. Through the transitional employment program with Austin Clubhouse, I now have a stronger resume. With that experience, I was able to find part time work with that same gym. So sometimes, though it's not guaranteed, one may be able to find permanent employment.

Keep doing your best and do not hesitate to get in the program. Thanks to the Austin Clubhouse, I know I can contribute more to this world. Thank you for reading and I hope this helps.

Photo by David Williams