Choices in Recovery - Summary of Past Submissions

My mini-series of blogs focusing on Choices in Recovery was set aside temporarily when I was asked to write a series of blogs on the unusual Coping Skills that my first psychiatrist taught me some forty plus years ago.  The series of blogs on coping skills began with "Ad hoc Blog on Coping Skills" posted on 30 December 2007 and was completed with "Recovery and Functionality" posted on 6 July 2008.

Recently I was asked by readers of my blogs to pick up where I'd left off with Choices in Recovery.  I soon found that it was difficult for me to determine where and how to resume the mini-series.  So, for my own benefit, I created a summary of issues and ideas covered in all the SharePosts on Choices in Recovery that I had previously submitted; along with the date that each was posted.  Having done this, I decided it might be helpful for my readers to see this summary.

Here is the summary, beginning with the introductory SharePost #0:

#0        9/23/2007        An Introduction

Choices that the consumer and their advocate(s) must face / Choices that they are often denied on their Journey of Recovery - The Point of Departure for the Journey of Recovery: Acceptance; and Milestones along the way: Functionality; Wellness; Fulfillment

#1        9/23/2007        Acceptance - Getting to the point of Departure

Summarizes my story; how Dr. Levy, my first psychiatrist, secured my cooperation by extending Unconditional Acceptance

#2        9/30/2007        Unconditional Acceptance by Others

Dr. Levy was the only one to extend Unconditional Acceptance, the only one that did not challenge my belief system, did not pass judgment on me, and did not make demands upon me.  For this reason, I agreed to take the medications he proscribed.

#3        10/7/207          Belief Systems

More of my story; I was actively psychotic for ten years; Relates how I discovered the inconsistencies and contradictions in my belief system.

#4        10/14/2007      Rational Behavior, Belief Systems & Functionality

We are judged by society on the basis of our behavior and what we say about our beliefs; stigma discourages consumers from seeking treatment; other cultures think those with odd thoughts and actions were blessed with special gifts; how awakening each morning and not finding myself on back ward of a state mental hospital is a good day.

#5        10/21/2007      A Clarification and Additional Aspect of Belief Systems

When using the term "Belief Systems," I am NOT referring to religious beliefs, but one's perceptions of reality; most people never really evaluate their belief system; brain rewiring at 5 to 8, 12 to 14 and 18-21 years of age; schizophrenia typically develops during one of these periods; my religious belief systems crumbled - were carried out to their logical absurdities; I launched a search for the real "truth"