Recovery Works for Mental Health Advocate Garth House

Garth House was first diagnosed with severe depression in 1977. After several years and numerous hospitalizations, he was dually diagnosed with both an addiction problem and bipolar disorder. During his trek towards recovery, Garth was a patient in almost every psychiatric hospital in Ohio.

Despite his struggle, Garth, a Columbus resident since 1958, lives on his own in government housing and has written two books. He is employed part-time by NAMI of Ohio, where he acts as a public relations specialist. This role allows him to publicly speak as a mental health advocate on a regular basis to different community organizations. When he joined NAMI 12 years ago, he acted as a volunteer and consultant.

"I believe that the opportunity to be involved in NAMI has truly helped my recovery." Garth said. "Working at NAMI has been very therapeutic and the people here have helped me both when I'm well and when I've fallen ill."

Garth soon will be teaching for BRIDGES, a course taught to mental health consumers by mental health consumers.

"BRIDGES is a great course to give mental health consumers a 'reality check,'" Garth said. "The one thing you learn during recovery is that reality isn't always a thrill ride, which is often the feeling you get with a mental illness."

In 2001, Garth was honored by the ADAMH Board with the Art Lynn Award, an annual award that recognizes a person whose contributions improve the quality of life for Franklin County citizens by helping those who live with mental illness and addictions.

Garth's mother, a board member at ADAMH funded-Southeast Inc., has also played a key role in his recovery. "Your personal network of support is important to your recovery. My mother and family have supported me since day one."

The ADAMH Board helps Franklin County residents find the right places to turn for affordable, high quality alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services. These services are provided by more than 45 not-for-profit network agencies located in neighborhoods throughout the county. Services are funded in part by a single property tax levy approved by voters.