Words have meaning. Of course, what exactly might be one’s definition or meaning of a word can and does vary from person to person. One such word is the word, “recover”. Since I started to post the “What I Did to Recover” list I’ve been reminded of this.
We talk about mental health recovery. Yet, what does that really mean? If I say that I am “in recovery” does that mean that at some point I will have “recovered”? And if that is the case, what does it mean to become “recovered” following a mental health diagnosis? Is that even remotely possible with bipolar disorder? Well, it all depends on how you define “recovered”.
SAMHSA has a working definition of mental health recovery: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” (Recovery Support Strategic Initiative)
For me, I see my recovery from bipolar disorder as the process of me “recovering” my life; taking back my life. It means that as I take my life “back” from bipolar disorder - it no longer has “free reign” in my life! In spite of having bipolar disorder the rest of my life, I choose to “recover my life” so that the bipolar disorder no longer impedes nor interrupts my life from having the best quality of life as possible. (Note: this is an ongoing process.)
I believe that it is quite possible to live a fulfilling and rich life in spite of having bipolar disorder. It takes work; sometimes very hard work. But, the work is worth it. That’s why I started the list of “What I Did to Recover” several posts ago. I believe that there are a lot of things you and I can do to in order to “recover” our lives from the “mood-monster” (bipolar disorder).
So, I have started a website (www.WhatIDidtoRecover.com) for those of you who are interested. I’ll continue to add to the list continually. You can add to the list through the website and you can sign up for receiving notifications as the list grows.
Are you taking your life back? Are you recovering? Are you living well?
