Seeking help instead of going it alone.

Yes, this is the lesson that was drilled into me this week. I could be stubborn: set in my ways. Yet sometimes we need to find innovative solutions. It is not a sign of failure when we try on our own to make something work and aren't successful. For the past four years, I thought if only I tried harder, the problem would go away. The risk with going it alone all the time is that we get stuck in a rut where change isn't possible, so we achieve the opposite of the effect we wanted.

To grow, we need to go outside of ourselves. A qualified guide like a therapist could offer a new perspective. I've had two cognitive therapy sessions so far and already I feel I'm on the way to better coping with what goes on.

Acceptance.

This is the cornerstone of the four recovery principles. We are able to recover when we accept we have a medical condition we will need to manage for the rest of our lives. I was in denial of this and discontinued the medication in 1992 only to relapse three months later and go back into the hospital. I had thought if I no longer took the medication, I wouldn't be sick anymore. Today I understand that I'm healthy precisely because I take the Geodon.

Acceptance of our illness, self-acceptance, and acceptance of other people are the sure-fire signs that we can achieve optimal mental health. With these things in place, recovery is within reach.

Does any of this resonate with you? It seemed like a breakthrough to me to discover these four principles. I'd love to hear your impressions on this too. Your comments are always welcome.