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Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you
can’t, you’re right.” In my opinion, Ford’s observation is true with
respect to recovery from mental illness. In order to recover, it is
vital to believe that you can do so. Research and my personal
experience support this view.
Over the past several years, Drs. Fisher and Deegan at the National
Empowerment Center have been conducting research into the factors
most important to people’s recovery from mental illness. Structured
interviews with people who have recovered revealed that one of the
most important steps to recovery (if not the most important step) is
a belief that recovery is possible.
My own recovery experiences also illustrate the importance of a
belief in recovery. A few years ago, I was a consumer in the mental
health system, but before that, I was a mental health technician
working in a residential program and studying psychology in college.
It was my college studies that inspired me to believe in recovery
from mental illness, although staff at my place of employment did
not talk about recovery at that time. Research papers that I read
supported the notion that complete recovery from mental illness is
possible, and I was convinced. Sometime later, when I experienced
psychosis and eventually acknowledged my illness, recovery was the
first thing on my mind. I thought to myself that if it hadn’t been
for my prior belief in recovery from mental illness, I would never
have recovered, but would have instead continued to focus on
suicide. Of course, my recovery was by no means instantaneous,
because a belief in recovery is only half the battle. However, my
path toward wellness became much clearer very quickly once I finally
believed that there was such a path for me.
People with mental illness can easily feel discouraged about their
prospects of recovery, either due to their own depression or to
discouraging and stigmatizing attitudes from others around them. If
you do believe that recovery is possible for you, congratulate
yourself—You’re halfway there!
If you’re still skeptical about your chances for recovery, you can
bolster hope within yourself. Consider reading other people’s
recovery stories, which are available in books and on the internet.
Keep an open mind about what is possible for you and surround
yourself as much as possible with others who believe that you can
recover. Focus on your dreams and how you can make them come true.
While you want to remain realistic (recovery can be hard work!)
strive to be as optimistic as you can, because your positive
thoughts will lead to positive outcomes for you. If people close to
you are pessimistic about your future, consider whether it might be
helpful to ask them to be more supportive. Finally, seek out
additional positive support— possibilities include but are no means
limited to a NAMI support group or your SDC life coach. Florida
Self-Directed Care exists because we believe in your capacity to
recover. Do you believe in yourself, too?
By Cindy Highsmith-Myron |
