Growing up, Conrad felt the stigma and shame of mental health challenges. Worried that he would inherit his father’s schizophrenia, he battled depression and alcoholism.
Then, after taking a mental health first aid training course at Pacific Clinics’ Recovery Education Institute (REI), a shift happened. The shame lifted. Conrad better understood his father’s illness. He no longer felt so alone. And he found meaningful work in the mental health care field through training at REI as a certified mental health worker.
For people living with mental health challenges – or those, like Conrad, who have a family member living with a mental health challenge – REI provides support along a career path in the behavioral health field.
Conrad, who now works at one of REI’s partner agencies and recently obtained his state certification as a peer support specialist, recognizes that what was once a hardship is now a source of strength and purpose: “Now I know that by helping others, you help yourself.”
“We understand what it feels like to struggle, and we also understand what it feels like to find hope. The purpose of our program is to empower and give hope to those who are ready and willing and want that lifeline,” says Assistant Director of Education Services Annie Medina.
Located in Orange, California, REI is an academic program for adults living with mental health challenges or adults living with a family member with mental health challenges. REI provides college general education classes, human services certifications, GED study preparation, ESL courses and enrichment workshops at no cost to eligible students.
Watch Conrad’s full story:
