I learn from reading the thoughts and opinions of others living with mental illness. And I recently read a comment from a woman who questioned the use of the word recovery in discussing mental illness. She noted that people don't recover in the same way from a mental illness that they might from other illnesses. She is correct. You don't stop being bipolar. Depression for many people is a chronic issue. I think many people can relate to those experiencing a life-long struggle with mental illness. So, what relevance does the word 'recovery' have in the lives of those struggling with chronic mental illness? She made me think about how I define the word recovery. And I would like to share my conclusions with you.
There are illnesses that are chronic. And there are illnesses that may be shorter in duration. The word recovery doesn't necessarily mean the same thing for chronic illness. I'll use the example of diabetes to explain this, since that is something I deal with every day. As a diabetic, I'm not expecting to eliminate my diabetes. I am hoping that by taking my medicine and exercising that I'm minimizing or slowing the impact. I also hope that I can avoid some of the worst symptoms of the disease. You'll notice that I'm not saying that I hope that the diabetes runs its course. Or that I stop having diabetes. That isn't likely to happen. What I can do is manage my illness. And avoid the worst of the symptoms. Hopefully.
If you are bipolar, you probably won't stop being bipolar. But if you find a course of treatment that works, you might live a fairly comfortable life in spite of the disease. I realize that my depression has been chronic. My current good period might not last...if my medication stops working or I hit a crisis. So, I have to be aware of the tools. Support, spirituality, medical intervention, therapeutic writing, education, exercise, meditation.....and on and on. I believe that I have to consistently use multiple tools to keep my depression at bay. I have to build a whole system that supports my....recovery. There is that word again. And I really do think it fits. For me, recovery simply means the management of my life so that my disease isn't in control. What do you think? Let's talk!
There are illnesses that are chronic. And there are illnesses that may be shorter in duration. The word recovery doesn't necessarily mean the same thing for chronic illness. I'll use the example of diabetes to explain this, since that is something I deal with every day. As a diabetic, I'm not expecting to eliminate my diabetes. I am hoping that by taking my medicine and exercising that I'm minimizing or slowing the impact. I also hope that I can avoid some of the worst symptoms of the disease. You'll notice that I'm not saying that I hope that the diabetes runs its course. Or that I stop having diabetes. That isn't likely to happen. What I can do is manage my illness. And avoid the worst of the symptoms. Hopefully.
If you are bipolar, you probably won't stop being bipolar. But if you find a course of treatment that works, you might live a fairly comfortable life in spite of the disease. I realize that my depression has been chronic. My current good period might not last...if my medication stops working or I hit a crisis. So, I have to be aware of the tools. Support, spirituality, medical intervention, therapeutic writing, education, exercise, meditation.....and on and on. I believe that I have to consistently use multiple tools to keep my depression at bay. I have to build a whole system that supports my....recovery. There is that word again. And I really do think it fits. For me, recovery simply means the management of my life so that my disease isn't in control. What do you think? Let's talk!
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