Posted by partlycloudy on February 6, 2005, at 7:57:27
In reply to block is over.., posted by justyourlaugh on February 6, 2005, at 0:23:48
I still think that the meds let us dampen down the worst of our symptoms of mental illness so we can practice changing how we react to stressors and triggers. If we're not actively working, constantly, on learning healthier ways to think, act and respond, then the meds can only do so much, and perhaps they inevitably let us down if we hope they will make us all better.
For me it involves a lot of searching, questioning, introspection, reaching outwards from my comfortable shell, and not expecting myself to be perfect or show progress at all times.
Just as (in my view) a good marriage has to be worked upon to keep being good, getting to and maintaining mental health is, for me, something I have to work at, not something that will happen if I take the right pill.
I don't think that this process of self discovery and improvement can be achieved only through a particular practice. I look here and there, read of different therapies, practice different exercises for improving and changing my behaviour. I am much more stubborn than I ever gave myself credit for.
I think I used to wish that someone would come and help me "fix" myself. Now I think that since I'm the only one who knows myself as well as I do, only I can create that overall health, and it's up to me to find that right path.
Also, for me, having friends like you makes a very large difference in how I practice those healthy habits. Caring about another's well being, being able to share our experiences and advice, is part of the reaching outward from myself that I struggle with when I am in a trough of despair.
poster:partlycloudy
thread:453841
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050205/msgs/453912.html