Healing Minds & Hearts
My mom passed away about a year ago after a long battle with an illness. Before that, I had adjusted my life plans to care for her until she passed. She was my rock, my everything, as she was always there for me during the most challenging years of my life.
I endured periods of verbal abuse, physical abuse, fears of dad, anxiety, and depression... yet she was there through it all and always encouraged me. Because of her love for me, I decided to put my plans aside so I could care for her during her time of need.
“I found a new family with Katallasso. I didn’t know what I was missing until I found what I needed. Without Katallasso, I don’t think that I would still be here today.”
Feeling left behind and alone by her passing, my desire to live was sucked out of me. It led to depression, and, when I wasn't depressed, I became overly anxious to the point of being confined to my own fears of being alone without anyone. I lost all social contact with my friends, with my community, and then my job.
Each of those life events led to me feeling as though I had no life purpose, no value, and that no one could care about such a messed-up wreck as me. I needed help, but I had nowhere to turn, no money... nothing of value. I didn't even feel valuable as a person. I didn't even know if I wanted to or deserved to live; I was a mess.
It all changed the day I found Katallasso.
I didn't know what to expect; I hadn't anticipated such a warm, caring, and loving place until I experienced it myself. From my first appointment with my doctor, through my tears and my heartache, I felt so loved and valued, just because he took the time to listen to me.
Pictured: Pastor Osmany, one of our bilingual counselors, and Cecilia Espinosa, patient access volunteer.
We talked well beyond my appointment time because he felt it was important to listen, encourage, and pray for me. I am not a religious person, but I did feel comforted like I had never felt before.
Tears are still a part of my visits, but they are better tears, as I am learning how to heal my heart.
I still am a mess, but not such a big mess, as now I have a family that cares for me, values me, loves me, is there for me; including a doctor and counselor that walk closely with me. As I continue to meet with them, I feel like a new person, stronger, healthier, working again, and in a much better emotional place.
I found a new family with Katallasso. I didn't know what I was missing until I found what I needed. Without Katallasso, I don't think that I would still be here today.
— From a Katallasso Patient