Quarterly Report Volume 3 - Flipbook - Page 5
Mental Wellness Matters- Sam Riley's Story
Watching her dad work as a first responder when she was growing up in Massachusetts, Samantha “Sam”
Riley decided she wanted to work “helping others” in some way, possibly in the mental health field. She
moved south to attend the University of Georgia where she earned a bachelor’s in social work. While
attending college she applied for a job as a job coach for the Athens area community mental health center.
Since beginning work in the field of mental health, Sam has gone on to achieve certification as whole health
and peer specialist, a psychosocial rehabilitation practitioner and a Hearing Voices Network Facilitator.
Also, Sam has just completed the first year of her masters in social work program at Boston University. “2
more years to go!” she says with great energy.
In addition to her training, Sam has also learned, first hand, the importance of mental wellness. Experiencing
both mood and anxiety challenges in her past, Sam has achieved personal recovery and serves as living
evidence that meaningful recovery is real and possible for anyone.
Using her wealth of lived experience and training, Sam has been a part of the River Edge team since
2012, progressing from group leader to Case Management Supervisor. “I love to help people gain
control of their thoughts and feelings, to teach people they have options. I have found my tribe!”
she exclaims.
“I am a passionate advocate for including mental wellness strategies in recovery. Real recovery is more
than just treating the symptoms of mental illness,” Sam says. “My mental wellness includes taking care
of my illness and recovery, feeling good about myself, feeling happy at home and in my relationships as
well as feeling accomplished.”
Sam adds, “For me, it is important to feel in charge of my recovery. Making and following a plan helps
me focus. I know it is important to keep my mind occupied with productive, constructive things.”
Sam continues, “Tapping into my creativity and learning new things helps me feel accomplished and
purposeful too. Also, calming activities are coping skills for me. Crafting and making gifts for people help
me feel serene.” Sam is currently learning cake decorating.
For Sam, as for many others, it’s not just personal activities that contribute to recovery and wellness. Sam
credits her husband’s support – Rick (who works in River Edge's IT department) – as an important contributor
to her mental wellness. Family, other social supports and pets prove helpful as well. (Sam’s cat, Mr. Leonard,
was an especially dear support for a very long time; he recently passed away.)
Sam offers these tips to improve mental wellness:
Find something that gives you purpose, that helps you feel happy and good about yourself.
Develop a genuine appreciation for simple things, other people and our planet.
Remember that love is a positive source of energy. Be kind.
Develop a healthy routine that includes healthy food and sleep.
Indeed, Sam is the evidence that treatment is effective and recovery can be expected.
As a part of the River Edge team, Sam Riley definitely makes life better!
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