Recovery means many things, depending on whom you talk to. The term is used to define various scenarios in mental illness. The concept of recovery implies a cessation of symptoms and a return to some baseline of normalcy. Compliance with a medication regimen that stifles delusional states is also viewed as recovery.
One thing recovery doesn't infer when it comes to mental illness is a cure. There is no cure for mental illness. Instead, recovery applies to adherence to a medical and psychological treatment and perhaps, a spiritual orientation as well. The implied directive here is that by following a treatment plan, your mental health can be “earned back.” The diagnosis of mental illness is often in conjunction with a substance abuse diagnosis that needs to be treated at the same time. The term dual diagnosis has sprung up to treat the twin diagnoses of substance abuse and mood disorder. Since bipolar disorder is connected to and bears a lifetime of treatment, like alcoholism, we talk about recovery in the same way.
There is a point here to be made. The addiction model often applies to bipolar disorder. Patients enjoy their symptoms and mania is seductive. Instead of a drug, they want their “adrenaline high.” “Don’t take away my symptoms,” they cry. “Save my delusions, those soothing daydreams.”
We need to stay focused. Our objective is to create better mental health for the patients and their loved ones. Getting lost in a confrontation over symptoms and side effects only moves us off the main track, recovery, and onto a siding where we neutralize and avoid difficult decisions. We must stay centered on getting better. Hope, compliance, and a positive attitude are essential to the recovery process. Recovery comes with acceptance.
Five Ways to Enhance Recovery
- Compliance with a medication regimen
- Seeking psychotherapy
- Attending a support group
- Developing a spiritual outlook
- Keeping an open attitude
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