TESTIMONIES

Below are several brief testimonies by members who recovered their mental health and/or make significant changes in their lives through membership in GROW: 
 
My fear of death had become an obsession.  I felt the fear had control of me.  I developed guilt feelings over these disturbing thoughts. After a breakdown, I learned at GROW to control unhealthy thoughts by ‘digging, starving and crowding them out’ and ‘to go by what I know and not by how I feel.’  I now have ‘more grounds for hope than for fear.’
--Denise, Homemaker

Before GROW I had anxiety symptoms if I had to drive or stand in
line.  I could not travel.  In GROW I found friendly people to listen to me and care for and cheer me. I have learned to do the same.  Helping others has helped me to help myself.

--Dee, Teacher and GROW Group Organizer

Five years ago I heard about GROW.  At that point in my life, I had begun taking some personal action, some ‘baby steps’ in rebuilding my life after a breakdown. Treatment for my severe depression included two hospitalizations, a series of electroshock treatments, outpatient group therapy, many doctor appointments and medications.  In finding GROW, I found insight about myself and that proved to be a turning point in my life.

--Norma, GROW Field Worker

After being hospitalized for severe depression, and having no senseof self-worth, I found GROW. It took me one year to learn the Program and another year to apply it.  I use ‘The Four Stabilizing Questions’ [from ‘The Program of Growth to Maturity,’ or ‘Blue Book’] in an emotional upset or to keep order in a crisis. GROW has really helped me.

--Nancy, Group Recorder