Home Sweet Home.

I recently completed a recertification for my apartment. I live in a complex that has 12 units reserved for the mentally ill by the county. After my last episode 7 years ago. I secured this living situation through a group I was with that provided services for those affected by mental illness seeking housing. I had lived in board and care situations for 2 years and was ready for a place of my own.

I am so grateful for my apartment. It is in a lovely section of Irvine in Orange County Ca. It has been a place of healing and grounding for me. I have a job across the street and it is central to where my family is located. It is just a skip away from my parents and sister and easily reached by my sons. It has been a total blessing and I consider myself so fortunate to have it.

Unfortunately the other 11 units are occupied by consumers who aren't doing as well. There are several occupants who have become recluses, emerging from their apartments only occasionally. One tenant is constantly in the throes of his schizophrenia, talking to himself incessantly. I pass his apartment on my walk out of the gate on the way to work and here him arguing with the voices that no doubt torment him. One other, has been transported by ambulance to the hospital more times than I can count. I think that this raises the question of whether independent housing is always the answer for people living with a serious mental illness.

I believe in group housing. There, a consumer has a shot at success because they are supported and have a sense of community. Left to their own devices many who experience the symptoms of serious mental illness do not do well in an independent unit. I have succeeded because of my support system of family, work, and accessing help from a psychiatrist and therapist. There is a representative from the group I was associated with on site. I check in with her and maintain some relationships within the complex.

I don't think my success is to be lauded because in a very real way it has come only because I am fortunate to have become stable. My bipolar disorder is responding well to treatment. Medication, therapy and a constant relationship with my psychiatrist have propelled me to this level. But to be honest, many don't respond as well through no fault of their own. Their illness is treatment resistant and they struggle. Adding the responsibility of maintaining a living space while managing an illness is just too much and they eventually fail.

I believe as state and federal governments seek to solve the problem of housing the homeless mentally ill, they should consider many factors other than the just the lack of units to house them. Substance abuse, medication compliance and the individuals history of managing their illness should all taken into consideration. Simply putting someone who is affected into an apartment is not the answer. Group homes and wraparound services should accompany the solution. It may not be politically correct, but without support very few of the homeless mentally ill will be able to maintain a independent living situation.

Before being hit with my disorder and a divorce, I was a homeowner and knew how to create a home. That is what I have done with my apartment. At first, I decorated with things my best friend gave me. My family kicked in and helped me make things pleasantly livable. Now, every paycheck I get something for the place. They are small improvements, but they matter to me. I have made a healing space for myself and am so thankful for the opportunity to do so. I know however that it would all change if I was irresponsible about my illness or had a change in my stability. So, I hold on for dear life and move forward one step at a time.

It is my hope that all those affected by mental illness get the help they so desperately need and access affordable housing and the means to sustain it. The more services the better and I am a big proponent of spending money on things that matter. Access to care, medication, substance abuse interventions and community based services should all get the attention they deserve. We need to solve the problem, but as a person living with a mental illness, I believe the solution has to take a look at the ability of the person to mange their mental illness. It is a harsh reality, but compliance is a major issue and a deal breaker. All of these factors must be taken into consideration. It is the sensible, compassionate and realistic way to solve the housing crisis.