Practice makes perfect. Or if not perfect, at least pretty darn good...

So, as I am starting a new life, I am still dealing with the problems that are a consequence of the old life.  Still having to problem-solve to move forward.  Thankfully, I have the support of my small family to do this.  I have a job I am truly enjoying.   And I have hope.  I am maintaining my attitude.  But don’t forget, the anxiety is still there.  I still feel the sense of shame.  I still struggle to be positive.  I still have the negative thinking that comes from a lifetime of responding to life through the lens of depression. Old problems and old issues continue to intrude. 

I have had enough experience watching people leave the safety of a hospital.  Or watching as they become stabilized on medication.  Sometimes I have watched as they go back out and ‘relapse’ because they are not prepared for dealing with reality.  Life is still there.  There are still tough times. Just because you feel better, life doesn’t necessarily become easy. You have to work to move forward.  You also have to use the skills that you’ve gained while in the hospital, or while attending your support group.  You have to actually practice responding to life.  That’s the hard part.  Sometimes feeling better is such a relief that people want to forget that part.  Sometimes I want to forget that part.  But it is survivable.  Here is what I know works.  You might recognize some of what I am suggesting if you have read this blog before:

• You have to use the medicine that has been prescribed for you.  If you are feeling better, that is probably a large part of the reason.  If you stop using the medicine, you will start having problems again.  Mental illness is frequently biochemical.  So, just like with physical illness, taking medicine helps you have a decrease in your symptoms.  It may help you to cope.

• You will need to keep the appointments that have been set for you.  If you are seeing a therapist…GO!  If you are supposed to visit a social service agency…GO! Setting appointments doesn’t solve problems.  Going to the appointment might.

• Maintain your connection to your support system.  Keep calling those people who are helping you to feel better. Don’t hide out.  Don’t make excuses for not calling. 

• Be open. Let other people in.  If you start feeling the stress again, let people KNOW.  Relapse happens when you isolate and don’t reach out.

• Remember to use affirmations.  What you tell yourself about what you are worth is what you will believe.

• Remember the other tools.  Like the Serenity Prayer.  Like taking care of yourself physically with better nutrition and exercise. Like getting adequate rest. 

• Don’t use other drugs or drink.  It won’t help and will most certainly end up making you feel worse.

Using the tools isn’t something that occurs just one time.  It is something you practice. On a permanent basis.  The more you practice, the better it gets. I promise. I can’t promise you perfection. But it will improve. One day at a time. I know this because that is what I am doing right now. Practicing to make progress. Not necessarily perfection.