Finding Purpose

I applied to the National Health Corps program in North Florida when I graduated from college because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduation. I had majored in psychology, and was uncertain if I wanted to work in mental health or in another field of public health entirely. It only took a few months of serving at Mental Health America to convince me that I had been on the right path all along.

When I began training at my host site to learn how to help clients apply for social security benefits, I was bored and frustrated; and I wondered what on earth I had gotten myself into. The application process is not fun or easy by any means. However, by helping clients complete these applications, I re-discovered my purpose.

In order to fill out all of the paperwork and complete an application, I have to gather information from clients that has to do with their entire life history - from work and financial data down to the penny, to medical and demographic history that includes very personal information. Since this process allows me to engage in personal and intimate conversations with clients, it is my favorite part of any week.

My clients are all individuals who suffer from debilitating mental illnesses and are experiencing homelessness due to their inability to work. It still amazes me to see how quickly they become comfortable enough to talk to me about their illnesses, symptoms, and struggles. Though I am a 22 year old straight out of college, they trust me to listen without judgment and do what little I can to try to improve their lives. It is their faith in me that has given me the confidence to stop doubting my ability and realize that I really am good enough as long as I am trying my best.

I got the formal recognition that I needed after a particularly difficult discussion with a client about the trauma that causes his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After our conversation, my client’s therapist called to thank me for all of the work that I do. She explained that I was one of the few people that he could calmly talk to about his struggles; and that I provided him with the hope that his situation will improve.

I am back on the path that I doubted in the first place, and have decided to apply to grad school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I hope to eventually be a counseling psychologist, and be able to help people cope with daily struggles and manage their illnesses to live fulfilling lives. While I have helped my clients receive benefits and services that improve their quality of life, they have helped me find my purpose.

This blog post was written by NHC Florida member Dana Metzger.

Dana serves at Mental Health America as Health Educator.