The Long Journey Home

Nearly three months ago, I found myself quietly celebrating an anniversary that very few people knew about. I really didn’t want to give it too much attention to be honest. I wanted to avoid triggering thoughts that would take me back to those moments when life wasn’t so great. However, as I sat with my computer I began to remember and I actually smiled. Prior to 2016, I had lived with family members for over 7 years. After being hospitalized for my mental health condition, I was unable to maintain consistent employment, provide for my daughter, or live alone. It was challenging to find the right combination of medication, self-care techniques, social supports, faith guidance, and therapeutic connections that would allow me to regain my self-sufficiency. In addition, I lived in constant fear of failing. I felt as if I had lost so much of myself that I questioned my ability to pull my life back together. How could I work and live on my own? I felt professionally crippled by this disease. I feared rejection by other mental health professionals. I feared being viewed as lacking the capacity to serve others. I doubted myself. I wondered about being triggered, my ability to engage people, and what would happen if anyone found out about my illness. Regardless of how many times I spoke openly about it, the fear that I would be treated differently lingered. In my attempt to move beyond this, I had to learn how to manage my life in spite of my fears. Recovery became an ongoing ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Panic Depression Peer Support Personal Professional Psychotherapy Depressive Episode Independence Mood Disorder Self Sufficiency socio-occupational recovery Worry Source Type: blogs