In addition to the milestones (functionality, wellness and fulfillment) that measure and confirm our progress, I believe there are stepping stones that enable us to move forward towards our milestones one step at a time. (Coping mechanisms can be thought of as stepping stones.) The landscape of our journey may be littered with stepping stones. The challenge for each of us is to choose the ones that are best for us, that keep us on our unique path to recovery.
Today, we may be blessed with three travel aids: medications, therapy and support groups (including supportive families and friends). History has clearly shown that these can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful journey of recovery. Medications can significantly increase our capacity for functionality; therapy can enhance our ability to fully utilize this increased capacity; support groups (again, including family and friends) can give us the courage to undertake our journey of recovery, as well as help along the way.
In the last analysis, one of the most important choices we can make is to stand up, look schizophrenia full in the face, and declare -
"I will not let you define who I am or control what I do with my life."
Over the ensuing weeks, in a new series of blogs from me, you will be hearing a lot about the journey of recovery, choices, milestones, stepping stones and travel aids. These accounts and related comments will be anecdotal and can only come from the perspective of my own journey of recovery because it's the only one I know first hand. I'm not a provider, but I am a consumer and a family member, and as such, I can speak with experiential authority.
* * *
Please remember, this writing reflects my own experience and opinions. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia, or any other mental illness, you should seek professional assistance.
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