The Collage Podcast: Episode 63 – Featuring Damon

Podcast Information

• Title: The Collage Podcast
• Host/Author: Feed My Sheep
• Description: Produced by Feed My Sheep in Temple, TX, The Collage shares stories and experiences of people in our community, from all walks of life, showcasing our shared humanity.
• Episode: Episode 63 – Damon
• Release Date: February 19, 2025

Summary

The Collage Podcast Episode 63 features an in-depth conversation between host Jeff and Damon, a dedicated member of the Feed My Sheep community. The episode delves into Damon's personal journey with mental health, his professional involvement in the mental health field, and his insights into coping mechanisms and societal perceptions of mental illness.

1. Introduction

Jeff opens the episode by welcoming listeners and introducing Damon, whom he describes as more than just a guest, highlighting their long-standing relationship of approximately two years. Damon works with Feed My Sheep, a local nonprofit organization based in Temple, Texas, focused on supporting community members from diverse backgrounds.

2. Early Life and Background

Damon shares his roots, being a sixth-generation Texan born in Denton, Texas. He grew up in the West Cliff area of Belton, Texas, and attended Tyler Elementary School—the first all-around school in Belton, notable for its historical significance and architectural features like a two-story structure with a fire escape slide.

Notable Quote:

Damon [03:11]: "I was the last class to graduate from that elementary before they decommissioned it. So I consider that significant to some extent."

3. Childhood Mental Health Struggles

From a young age, Damon grappled with mental health challenges diagnosed by his doctor as psychotic or schizophrenic since he was five years old. He reflects on how this condition set him apart from his peers, leading to difficulties in forming long-term friendships and experiencing frequent bullying.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [04:10]: "I don't let that define me, but it is a factor in my life."

Damon [04:47]: "I was bullied a whole lot."

Damon describes himself as the "toughest nerd in Bell County," indicating a blend of intellectual interests and resilience against repeated bullying. He likens his experience to being a chameleon—constantly trying to blend in while feeling inherently different, which made him an easy target for predators both physically and emotionally.

4. Adolescent Years and Further Challenges

During his junior high years, Damon faced increased isolation as acquaintances moved away and his behavior became erratic. This period culminated in Damon being labeled a "difficult patient" by his psychiatrists, which significantly impacted his self-perception and willingness to seek help.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [07:37]: "I thought I was like the Messiah. I had a messiah complex from back then."

Damon [09:30]: "I was on Social Security disability, and I had to get on Social Security, which was another for me at the time. I thought it was humiliating."

5. Diagnosis and Treatment

At sixteen, Damon received a formal diagnosis from psychiatrist Gail Eisenhower, identifying him with major depression with psychotic features. This diagnosis provided a framework for understanding his experiences, though it was also the beginning of a complex relationship with mental health treatment. Over the years, Damon underwent multiple diagnoses, ultimately being identified with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [20:29]: "Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, which is basically being psychotic, being schizophrenic and bipolar at the same time."

Damon [21:49]: "I was grateful because I had something I could put a pin in."

Damon discusses his treatment regimen, which included early antidepressants like Prozac and antipsychotics such as Haldol. He emphasizes the importance of medication as a foundation for recovery, though he acknowledges the challenges when medications become less effective over time.

6. Professional Life and Personal Loss

Balancing work and mental health, Damon worked as a janitor and later as a biohazard specialist at Scott and White, a major healthcare facility. The untimely death of his father when Damon was nineteen forced him to take on additional responsibilities, including moving back home to support his mother and manage family debts caused by his father's involvement in Ponzi and pyramid schemes.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [25:03]: "My dad had gotten into some Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes in his life, and he caused some debt in our family."

Despite financial pressures, Damon maintained a strong work ethic instilled by his mother, who emphasized the importance of education and self-sufficiency.

7. Institutionalization and Recovery

Between ages 24 and 28, Damon spent significant time at Austin State Hospital (Ash), facing the harsh reality of diminished prospects as conveyed by his psychiatrist, who told him he would never be a functioning member of society again. This pronouncement deeply affected Damon, leading to a period of despair and multiple hospitalizations.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [43:35]: "He told me, with all compassion in his heart, that I would never be a functioning member of society again."

However, Damon eventually made a concerted effort to work on himself, shifting from a passive recipient of care to an active participant in his recovery. This transformation included advocating for himself with healthcare providers, which was challenging in an era lacking shared decision-making practices.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [46:35]: "I made a concerted effort to work on myself and not let others work on me."

8. Current Role and Philosophy

Today, Damon serves as a peer support specialist with Feed My Sheep, dedicating his life to assisting others facing similar mental health challenges. His personal experiences lend him unique insights into the struggles of those he helps, making him a compassionate and effective support figure.

Damon advocates for self-determination, emphasizing that while faith and external support are valuable, individuals must actively engage in their own recovery processes. He believes in the importance of multiple approaches to mental health, rejecting the notion of a one-size-fits-all solution.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [47:25]: "You've got to have a strong foundation to build upon."

Damon [55:13]: "Everybody is worth the bother."

Jeff echoes these sentiments, highlighting Damon's resilience and the transformative impact of his work despite dire prognoses from mental health professionals.

9. Insights and Conclusions

The conversation culminates in a powerful affirmation of Damon's role and worth both within the Feed My Sheep community and the broader societal context. Damon embodies the belief that every individual matters, challenging stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. His journey from isolation and diagnosed limitations to active community support serves as an inspiring testament to human resilience and the potential for recovery.

Notable Quotes:

Damon [58:20]: "Take advice from people, but remember, you're your own best expert."

Damon [59:04]: "Even when we're going down the wrong path, sometimes we know we're going down."

Jeff and Damon reinforce the message that mental health struggles are universal and that with the right support and self-advocacy, individuals can lead meaningful and impactful lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Damon’s life story underscores the importance of resilience and self-advocacy in overcoming mental health challenges.

• Importance of Support Systems: Both professional treatment and community support, such as that provided by Feed My Sheep, play crucial roles in mental health recovery.

• Rejecting Stigmas: Damon’s narrative challenges societal stigmas surrounding mental illness, advocating for the inherent worth of every individual regardless of their struggles.

• Personal Agency: Emphasizing self-determination, Damon highlights the necessity of individuals taking an active role in their own recovery journey.

Final Thoughts

Episode 63 of The Collage Podcast offers a profound exploration of Damon's personal and professional life, providing listeners with valuable insights into the complexities of mental health. Through heartfelt dialogue and candid reflections, Damon not only shares his own experiences but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others navigating similar paths.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [03:11] Damon: "I was the last class to graduate from that elementary before they decommissioned it. So I consider that significant to some extent."

• [04:10] Damon: "I don't let that define me, but it is a factor in my life."

• [07:37] Damon: "I thought I was like the Messiah. I had a messiah complex from back then."

• [20:29] Damon: "Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, which is basically being psychotic, being schizophrenic and bipolar at the same time."

• [43:35] Damon: "He told me, with all compassion in his heart, that I would never be a functioning member of society again."

• [46:35] Damon: "I made a concerted effort to work on myself and not let others work on me."

• [55:13] Damon: "Everybody is worth the bother."

• [58:20] Damon: "Take advice from people, but remember, you're your own best expert."

• [59:04] Damon: "Even when we're going down the wrong path, sometimes we know we're going down."

Conclusion

Damon's story is a compelling narrative of overcoming immense personal challenges and turning adversity into a force for community support and advocacy. His insights offer valuable lessons on resilience, the importance of self-advocacy, and the critical role of compassionate support systems in mental health recovery.