Becoming a Mental Health Reformer
Many are Called, but Few are Chosen

by Tom Barresi

Aside from owning the ability to handle and process rejection positively; an effective Mental Health Advocate/Reformer, must be fully capable of working unsupervised, and totally alone. Since the individual, who is involved in this pursuit, will be dealing with everyone from mental patients to Presidents of the United States; he can't allow his confidence to be "shaken", by anyone of "lessor resolve". 

Back-slapping, congratulations for a job well done, and even comradeship among "associates", will not exist for the dedicated advocate; for all external relationships with others, are cloaked in fear and uncertainty. Fear of wondering what a Senator might think of you after reading your piece, or the discomfort (at first), in trying to explain to your family, why there's a letter postmarked White House, sitting in your mailbox. 

In closing, I feel it is imperative that an Advocate establishes his own "credibility" at the outset; and that he never lets it go….ever! He must, "Mean what he says, and say what he means". `Since a mental patient with some formal education, and relapse experience, should be the ONLY candidate considered for such a job; he need only recruit another individual to "proof" papers and monitor his moods; so as to prevent a career in Advocacy from lasting one brief moment through indiscretion. 

There is no pay, but then again how could you ever hope to put a price on performing such a selfless act, for your mentally ill brothers and sisters in our country today. Credibility is paramount to being effective, and it is also a luxury, the Mental Health Advocate must earn…..everyday! 

"All non-combatants are free to leave, we shall remain here, and defend these walls". Will B.Travis (1836 Alamo).

Tom Barresi 
1459 East Lassen Ave. 32 
Chico,Ca. 95973
Manic-Depressive since 1966.

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Copyright 2005 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Santa Cruz County, All Rights Reserved.

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