[PHOTOSTORY 4: STRUGGLE] The Journey of Mental Health Problems

By: Vanessa Ramirez

Valerie Hernandez has had a rough start to her life. Although many would say she came from a picture-perfect family, it wasn’t always like that. “I dealt with a lot of mental health issues growing up. It was hard. And when I went to college, it gave me access to different ways to deal with those issues. But none were healthy. It was so bad, I flunked out of college my first year. After that, I moved to Statesboro, GA, and tried to overcome it.”

Redeeming Love Church of God, The Bibleway sits empty on a rainy day. Hernandez was introduced to the church in 2019 by her coworker at her job, Olive Garden. Ever since then, she has been doing better than ever.

 

A bulletin board is filled with last week’s service’s message. Most services Hernandez is in charge of decorating this bulletin board, it’s become of one of the many things expected of her. 

Last week's message is written on the bulletin board. “I enjoy what I do, but it does get tiring. I mean, think about it. I’m only one person, handling all this organization, errands, services, different events, and so on. I attend every service; I give my help where it’s needed. And on top of that, I am a full-time employee at Olive Garden, working doubles every day. It’s exhausting,” Valerie Hernandez says. 

Valerie Hernandez is typing notes on her laptop at Sunday's church service. Hernandez is in charge of writing down the minutes of the service, so every service she is seen with her laptop.

Seats of the church sit empty. Hernandez has become so involved with the church that she has begun to even organize different events and services for the church. She was also even gone on different trips as their representative.

Valerie plays the tambourine while Maria Browne watches her and dances. Even through the work she does during service, she always finds time for her church members.

Hernandez puts a coffee pod into her Keruig to brew some coffee for a late night ahead. Hernandez spends a lot of late hours for her church. 

Hernandez pours a sugar packet into her mug. "I think my problems exploded during my freshmen year. I was away from home and had freedom. Freedom I didn't know what to do with. I went crazy. I met a lot of bad people and made very bad and poor decisions," said Hernandez.

Hernandez waits for her coffee to start dripping. "I stopped caring about school, I developed bad anxiety and depression. I was so... It was bad. I wasn't able to return to my college for the second year because I had done so bad my freshmen year. At this point, I didn't know what I was going to do," Hernandez said.

Valerie Hernandez watches as her coffee drips into her mug. "But I moved to Statesboro for a fresh start, got a job, and met someone that went to this church. I attended a service and no, it wasn't an 'oh it's all fixed now,' but with dedication and support system I had, I overcame my struggles in my life." 

Hernandez stirs her coffee. She drinks coffee every day while doing her work. “I know a lot of people, personally, that struggle with a lot of problems and addictions. And I have tried my hardest to help where I can. But I can’t help someone who doesn’t first help themselves,” She says. 

Valerie Hernandez stares at her notebook for her church. Hernandez spends her days working diligently for her church. "I feel like I owe them a lot. I was in a rough spot in my life when I first came into the church and they helped me," said Hernandez.

Hernandez flips through her notebook. Hernandez still deals with temptations to go back to partying, drinking, and drugs, but finds when she is kept busy with her church, it helps the urge.

Hernandez eats ice cream as she relaxes after getting home from her church service. Hernandez says she has no problem sharing her story because she hopes it inspires people.

Valerie Hernandez calls her minister to organize a future men event for the church. Hernandez spends late nights working to ensure the church runs smoothly. 

Hernandez talks to her minster of the church. Hernandez has anxiety that has affected her. She doesn't wish to take any medicine for it, but tries to give her time throughout the day to help relax her anxiety.

Hernandez discusses event details with her minister. "I am usually in charge of the events, and that included decorations, assigning roles, and a lot of other things. But I love doing it," says Hernandez.

Valerie Hernandez rests on the chairs of her church Redeeming Love Church of the Bibleway. Hernandez is often tired from working so much for her church.

Cars fill the parking lot of Redeeming Love Church of God the Bibleway during service. Valerie Hernandez says, “I realize a lot of people cope with their problems in different ways. But I think every person needs to find that healthy coping mechanism. Because I found mine and I’m so thankful for it.”