IMHO: People Can Recover

See an earlier SharePost of mine that covers a meta-analysis of 43 studies that indicates early intervention is the best course of action. It was published in the November 2008 Harvard Mental Health Letter.

Out "in the field"-in real life-you hear hell-and-heartache stories. A friend's brother discontinued his meds to disastrous effect. Another person's voices returned. A 52-year old woman had to be re-hospitalized after a drug holiday. The problem is no professional can predict who will do well after stopping the drugs and who won't. It's like playing Russian Roulette.

Recovery from schizophrenia comes down to two things: research and education. You need to educate yourself about your illness and research and develop strategies for living well.

People without SZ should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of this medical condition, and incorporate some of the 10 key factors of recovery in their lives. Parents should get their children involved in the world; teenagers should work at a part-time job or even do volunteer work, as volunteer work is often used on college applications when high school students apply to the university. Post-secondary education can only be of benefit too. I would also recommend travel. This falls under the personal history factor as the best defense.

Substance abuse [refraining from street drugs and alcohol] is a no-brainer to me. Supportive therapy and access to care also can and should be improved. Relying solely on medication isn't the solution. The worst scenario is no meds and no psychosocial rehabilitation: that is a powder keg.

We need more dedicated professionals entering the field who believe people can recover and who will be creative and proactive in addressing their patients' treatment needs. Dare I say we need more peers entering the field who are living proof that people can recover.

IMHO: People can and do recover every day. Not only is recovery possible, today it is probable that someone will recover.

I'd love to hear from you about this. As always your comments are welcome.

IMHO: Who Decides What Normal Is?