For more than two decades, Gabriel Pestano fought what felt like a losing battle with depression.
By his own admission, his mental illness fuelled “suicidal episodes,” which, thankfully, only ever advanced as much as “thoughts” and not actions.
A more recent diagnosis of ADHD added to 52-year-old Pestano’s woes, which ultimately cost him his marriage and his job in the fast food industry.
But it was around two years ago that a light started to shine at the end of the Richmond resident’s tunnel.
That light was switched on by the people at Pathways Clubhouse, a non-profit organization in Richmond which offers a route back to mental wellness.
“I basically dealt with the issues for 20 years on my own,” Pestano told the Richmond News.
“When I first came here, it was only for a day or so at a time. But the more I came here, the more connections I made and I started to feel better. I started looking forward to coming here.
“I go there almost every day now, sometimes on the weekend as well.”
Witnessing murder scene was the trigger
Pestano told the News how he started to have issues, mentally, after witnessing his cousin’s murder scene in his native Philippines.
“It affected me quite badly,” he said.
As for his more recent ADHD diagnosis, Pestano said his love for working in the kitchen, in particular at the Pathways Clubhouse, is the most natural therapy available.
“When you have ADHD, working in the kitchen doesn’t seem to affect you as much,” said Pestano.
“There is something about the culinary arts that makes you focus. Whether it’s slicing meats or cutting vegetables, I need to focus so I don’t cut myself.
“And the one thing about ADHD is you love to talk and I get the chance to do that here.”
Kitchen passion kicking off new start
Indeed, such is his love for the art of food, Pestano is now, through the Back in Motion program, looking at getting the culinary skills and training to re-enter the workforce.
And, as well as doing his best in the kitchen, Pestano is now involved in his second love, chess, at Pathways, where he is coaching the pastime on weekends.
If you or someone you know may benefit from the help at Pathways Clubhouse, go to https://pathwaysclubhouse.com/
