RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Beckley community joined together in Word Park to encourage connection and foster understanding and empathy for those affected.
It’s okay not to be okay, and no one should ever be alone. It’s brave of you to ask for help.
“As a person in recovery myself, having almost two years, mental health went hand in hand with that,” said Beckley Day Center Board of Directors Secretary/Recovery & Outreach Committee Chair Aaron Hornsby. “I had to go to a long-term facility that offered mental health resources as well, and understanding the barriers the populations we serve face is important in overcoming those barriers.”
Tyson Kincaid found his way and peace after all he had been through.
“Homelessness, eating out of dumpsters, living under bridges, holding the sign by the Crossroads Mall in Beckley for money,” the WV Sober Living Police & Peers Recovery Support Specialist said. “A lot of people doesn’t know there’s help, but a lot of us are out here in the community offering help to people.”
When Hornsby thinks about his journey, he says sometimes it feels almost overwhelming.
“Because two years ago, I had pretty much nothing. Today, I have a general contractor license, own my own business, and I’m on the board of directors of the Beckley Day Center,” said the recovery & outreach committee chair. “I’m living proof that anyone can do it.”
When it comes to mental health, support is crucial, and it’s deeply intertwined with addiction. For Kincaid, it was a 30-year struggle.
“I have six years clean come July 11, and I know there’s hope out there,” the peer recovery support specialist said. “My number is 304-640-6402. If you, your family member, or anybody you know is struggling with substance use addiction, give them my number. And I will do my best to the best of my ability to help them.”
Believing it is possible to make things better motivates us to heal and grow.
“The people at Recovery Point of Huntington, the support I found, and the mental health services changed my life. It’s a new way of life; I built a life that I don’t feel the need to escape from with drugs or alcohol,” said Hornsby.
Practicing gratitude can significantly benefit mental health.
“One of the most important factors in my mental health is remaining grateful for everything,” the Beckley Day Center board of directors secretary said. “I have the problems that I have today. I prayed for those problems two years ago.”
