“I was at Aurora Recovery Centre almost two years ago. I was in a very bad way. I was done with life honestly. Gave too much of myself, got lost trying to help myself when nothing gave me relief from my inner hell. Outpatient programs/community mental health support was poor. Out-patient psychiatrists do not follow the patients they finally after months get to assess, diagnose and offer medication for treatment.
What do you do with meds that need titration? Symptom changes? Life challenges? No discussion of other support networks or other avenues of treatment. One night I was very serious about ending my life. My husband had left for work out of town. I felt absolutely worthless and nothing helped me sleep, relax, stop crying, end that empty ‘I’m so done with this’ feeling. I’d been like this for so long. It was like no one cared to understand me, help me get my pieces put back together. I called the Aurora number crying. A lovely woman took my information, called me back and set a time to arrive at the centre for help.
I spent five month there for complex ptsd treatment, I got mental health help, the spiritual advisor helped me understand what I needed to erase all of that emptiness I felt inside. My spiritual connection was so profound after my first sweat lodge. I needed more. I became a drummer, singer, I went to Sundance and met a whole new family. I felt so accepted in my happy place. I have kept up with my spiritual wellness journey and I am so grateful and honoured to spend time fire keeping for the Ladies lodge. I want to help others find things that help bring them inner peace, live in a good way, and follow the right path. The counsellors, medical department, support staff and the alumni I now consider family have all been such a huge part of saving my life. You can hit rock bottom without losing material wealth/your home, etc. Thank you Aurora, I am so grateful I found you. Bad reviews I find are from disgruntled people who still need help, haven’t found their way, and have no respect for others or the centre’s expectations. You have to put in the work. Keep persevering, learn to slow down, love yourself, be tolerant and understanding with others, let go of that anger, develop a routine that works for you, challenges you, relaxes you and DON’T look back.”