Coping with recurrent loss in mental illness: Unique aspects of clubhouse communities

Abstract

Abstract Fountain House, in New York City, is a psychosocial program for adults with serious mental illnesses that has operated continuously for nearly 50 years. The majority of members of this “Clubhouse” program have diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, but membership is open to any individual whose life and functioning have been continuously or repeatedly disrupted by brain dysfunction or psychiatric symptomatology. This article presents one Clubhouse members personal account of loss, failure, and the recovery of individual dignity and purpose. Key experiences within this very individualized account are identified as exemplars of Clubhouse rehabilitation and interpreted in the context of current psychological theory.