Today I read aloud and comment about two articles which TRANSITION Magazine published of mine. Transition is such a great resource, and contains much creative fiction and non-fiction
Thanks Johnny. I do see your point about weaning off medications, but I think in many cases (like mine for example) there are other illnesses that interfere with a person's normal way of thinking. I have an anxiety disorder that really gets in the way of forming relationships, so I think it would be very hard for me to join up with a bunch of people, even though I would interact with the same people over a long period. An interesting thing in my illness that I have symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar, and if I let a lapse in treatment happen with either my moods or the part of my brain that is in charge of psychosis, I go into psychosis and have a very traumatizing experience. I tried lowering my mood stabilizer once, became completely irrational and very ill. Another time my doctor tried switching me from an older antipsychotic to a newer one and I also became very ill with psychosis. I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but for me it is a clear lesson that I need medications and shouldn't ever tinker with them.
Way to go, Leif. Glad to read your advice as to constructive moves to make during recovery. 1. Housing 2. Medications 3. Activities.
My list would be: Exercise, Rest, Nutrition, Communication; BUT not necessarily with any particular prioritization of the items on that list.
Perhaps my list was different because my recovery took place in the 1970s, when Housing was not anywhere as difficult as it is now. In those days, I could just team up with a few friends and rent a house or apartment, which I did for years until I was able to rent my own place.
My position on Medications is different from yours, That is because I was able to wean myself off my medications after four years while I was attending a retreat. That was at a place where I was surrounded by the same group of 32 people all day and every day for several months. In that was I was able to trust and be trusted enough to share all my inner thoughts and feelings. So much so that I was surrounded by trusted friends who could keep me on track until I could completely end my medication use. I was lucky. Very few people have that luxury. So staying with the stability of their medications is necessary.
Regarding Activities. Yes. This is crucial. And I should add this to my list. I was always Active--working as a cook and being creative with writing and music, but I've never realized how necessary this was to my sense of self-worth.
Thanks Johnny. I do see your point about weaning off medications, but I think in many cases (like mine for example) there are other illnesses that interfere with a person's normal way of thinking. I have an anxiety disorder that really gets in the way of forming relationships, so I think it would be very hard for me to join up with a bunch of people, even though I would interact with the same people over a long period. An interesting thing in my illness that I have symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar, and if I let a lapse in treatment happen with either my moods or the part of my brain that is in charge of psychosis, I go into psychosis and have a very traumatizing experience. I tried lowering my mood stabilizer once, became completely irrational and very ill. Another time my doctor tried switching me from an older antipsychotic to a newer one and I also became very ill with psychosis. I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but for me it is a clear lesson that I need medications and shouldn't ever tinker with them.
Way to go, Leif. Glad to read your advice as to constructive moves to make during recovery. 1. Housing 2. Medications 3. Activities.
My list would be: Exercise, Rest, Nutrition, Communication; BUT not necessarily with any particular prioritization of the items on that list.
Perhaps my list was different because my recovery took place in the 1970s, when Housing was not anywhere as difficult as it is now. In those days, I could just team up with a few friends and rent a house or apartment, which I did for years until I was able to rent my own place.
My position on Medications is different from yours, That is because I was able to wean myself off my medications after four years while I was attending a retreat. That was at a place where I was surrounded by the same group of 32 people all day and every day for several months. In that was I was able to trust and be trusted enough to share all my inner thoughts and feelings. So much so that I was surrounded by trusted friends who could keep me on track until I could completely end my medication use. I was lucky. Very few people have that luxury. So staying with the stability of their medications is necessary.
Regarding Activities. Yes. This is crucial. And I should add this to my list. I was always Active--working as a cook and being creative with writing and music, but I've never realized how necessary this was to my sense of self-worth.