Local man shares account of how mental illness shaped his life

The following account is one in a series of stories about local people living with mental illness. It is quoted in part from “Voices of Hope, Conversations with Helen L Shore.” The book was commissioned by Employment Options, Inc., of Marlborough. To obtain a copy of the book call 508-485-5051.

“Until I was 35 years old, I lived at home with my parents. I was scared to go out on my own because I didn’t know how to live by myself. My parents did every thing for me. But in 1985 things really went bad. I did a lot of cruel things to my family that I’m not proud of - stealing and such.

Bob’s parents became aware of his drug and alcohol problems, they tried to help him. “They both took time off work to get me help, calling different rehab places until they found a program in Rhode program, but I got thrown out because I wasn’t obeying the rules.”

Bob moved to Marlborough and for eight years lived on the brink of self-destruction. A citizen of no- man’s land, he was noticed by no one - not even himself. “I was living in shelters, then after awhile I’d get a job and a room. I’ve lived in abandoned houses, cardboard boxes, in empty trains. This went on for a lot of years and all the time I always worked.”

It was while living in his own personal hell that Bob first came into contact with the program that would eventually evolve into Employment Options. “I hooked up with the Better World drop-in center. I would stop by and have a cup of coffee. I began to meet some of the staff. Then I would go and help out with the cooking, or do something else to help, and that made me feel good. The people at the drop-in center, would always thank me for coming in and for helping.”

Through his involvement with the Employment ‘Options Club house, and intervention by Toni Wolfe, Bob’s life has turned around. “Today, I have Section 8 housing - my own studio apartment. Before, I always shared a bathroom, but now I have my own bathroom and kitchen. Options clubhouse has totally helped me out.” For the new Bob, life is something he can laugh at - and laugh heartily. He has friends, can make jokes, can feel sad. He has his father back in his life, as well as his self-respect and an ability to help others. “My life has changed considerably. I’m finally finding out who Bob is and you know what? He’s a nice guy.”

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