Before finding Oakland Family Services, 54-year-old Linda fought what seemed to be a never-ending battle with depression and anxiety. Everyday life felt impossible as she endured tumultuous relationships and financial strain.
At the young age of 13, Linda lost her mom. She and her sister were raised by their father in what she describes as an emotionally abusive household.
Linda moved away from home when she was 25 and began working as a teacher. Although she was embarking on a meaningful career, these big life changes were accompanied by feelings of emptiness.
In her early 30s, Linda experienced another tremendous life change—she got married. “At the time, I had low self-esteem and didn’t think anybody else would love me,” she noted.
The couple started a family and was expecting their third baby in 2007. Unfortunately, Linda found herself in an unhealthy relationship in which she felt alone and unsupported both financially and emotionally.
Raising three young children on her salary alone created tremendous pressure for Linda. “When things got challenging, my default was just to cry and panic,” she stated.
Linda’s depression ultimately became debilitating. In 2012, she was hospitalized during a mental health crisis. This led to a long-term leave from her teaching career, intensifying her financial stress and anxiety.
Although she was prescribed medication, Linda’s days remained dark: “I spent more time in bed than I did with my kids. The depression was crippling, and nothing seemed to make any sense.” She recalls calling a suicide crisis hotline in 2015.
Throughout all of this, Linda had been in and out of therapy. However, when it came to therapists, she struggled to find the right fit.
“My appointments always felt like I was having a cup of coffee with somebody—just chatting,” Linda shared. “I realized that wasn't going to help me.” She bounced between providers, searching for the help she desperately needed.
In September 2020, Linda contacted Day One at Oakland Family Services. Day One provides caring, confidential, research-based mental health therapy and psychiatric services.
Linda started seeing Emily, a Physician’s Assistant, for medication management. Right away, she appreciated Emily’s honesty and accountability.
“Emily was upfront and told me medication alone would not fix this,” said Linda. “And so began my journey of therapy at Oakland Family Services.”
Connecting with her therapist, Amy, made a huge difference for Linda: “Something about her is comforting—it seems like a natural fit. Sometimes, I go off on a tangent, and Amy will ask a question that is related to my tangent but also brings us back to where we need to be.”
Linda commends the inclusivity and care of Oakland Family Services’ staff. Finances never get in the way of her family’s mental health treatment.
“I like the fact that OFS does not treat me like a ‘low-income’ person. It’s nice having somebody in your corner to say, ‘You need this mental health help. Let’s not make finances a barrier,’” Linda shared.
With a combination of therapy and proper medication, Linda’s depression and anxiety are now manageable. She has a more positive outlook and uses beneficial coping strategies: “I’ve learned to deal with problems by taking a deep breath, thinking logically, and focusing on what is in my control.”
Most importantly, Linda spends lots of time with her kids, who are “her world.” She is the proud mom of 19-year-old twin sons, Isaac and Calvin, and 17-year-old daughter, Selah. Calvin and Selah have also received mental health treatment through Oakland Family Services.
Linda feels strongly that her life would be dramatically different if she hadn’t found Oakland Family Services: “I’d probably be back in bed. I’d possibly be on the wrong meds. My mind would be clouded with depression, or my thoughts would be racing with anxiety.”
“Now, I feel like I’m worthy. I’m valued. I’m important. I have a professional relationship with Oakland Family Services, but I can feel the love these people have for me and my family.”