For example, there are plenty of times that I cycle around to being overwhelmed with my illness. I get just damn tired of having to deal with it. But from the outside, of course, I look like I have moved beyond that stage long ago. My provider might not even think to help me deal with that stage if he or she considers recovery a linear process. But I have to deal with it before I can move ahead toward any of my treatment plan goals. I may, indeed, look "semiretired."
Another thing we teach in our peer specialist training is that getting "stuck," being dissatisfied, is a very good sign. It means that something is happening. It means we've touched on something that is real. And if we can move through whatever this is, we've taken another important step on our journey. As peer specialists, we use dissatisfaction to create readiness for change. I wonder if labeling someone as "semiretired" might be throwing away an opportunity for real change and real growth ... ?
I think labels are a problem. I am not "treatment resistant." I am not "noncompliant." I didn't "fail treatment." And I am not, repeat, not "semiretired." How about you?
