| |
MY RECOVERY CONTINUED....
...... They prescribed medication for me which I have taken ever since. It didn't make me feel different, just a more stable, tempered version of myself. Periods of heightened agitation have been reduced dramatically, and deep depressions have become virtually nonexistent for me. The medication just somehow made getting out of bed that little bit easier to the point where I could do it consistently, regardless of underlying mood, even though it remains difficult from time to time. It helped to make me just that little bit more able to engage in the behavior-changing remedies that I learned in DBT & CBT; it helped me become just that little bit more open to perceiving the possibilities and opportunities in the world, where before I dwelled on the daunting hurdles.
......Where I once described my life as miserable punctuated by [joyous] moments, I now feel genuinely happy in a way I never believed possible.
..... Life still brings its ups and downs to me, but the more I continue to actively pursue those methods and behaviors suggested in my recovery program, the more I continue to practice the techniques and healthy behaviors I have learned and integrated into my life, the more satisfied and confident I become in my recovery.
...... Ever vigilant, ever persevering, I recognize that everything for which I am grateful in my life must be cherished. My recovery builds upon the consistent reinvigoration of those principles and practices that enable me to combat the dangers posed by any slip back into my addiction or mental illness. Where once I spent my time in bars and places of ill-repute, I fill my days now with healthy, rewarding activities (hikes, meetings, recovery volunteering, writing, parenting, husbanding, and countless others) that countermand drinking temptations.
......Where once I wallowed in loneliness and isolation, I am now enveloped by the loving admiration of my wife & daughter. They bring forth from me great love and joy unlooked-for; they reveal to me inner capacities heretofore unknown.
......I recovered from addiction that I might live; I strive, uninterrupted, to make the living worthwhile.
......Although I understand why some people prefer to remain anonymous, for me recovery and my limited ability to describe it feels like a gift -and duty- to report. Not only insofar as it may help others in recovery, but also as a way for me to say to anyone "normal" who wants to listen: this is my story, and I hope it provides insight, but I refuse to hide, I am not anonymous, I reject any stigma, and there are so many other who can recover if they are so empowered.
Best,
-.Seth
 .....The content of this article was reviewed by Dr. Piedad Garcia, Ed.D. LCSW, Assistant Deputy Director, County of San Diego, Mental Health Services, is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission from MHS, County of San Diego Mental Health Services.
. |
info
...MHSA PROP 63
....MY RECOVERY