Under Construction - MHWA Retreat

What does recovery mean to you? - -
- - To me, this implies improvement, likely through learning and practicing better coping mechanisms. It involves education...to dispel myths about our various conditions, to look at options, to be willing to try several different approaches, to develop and be honest with a support system.

Do you think recovery is realistic for your condition(s)? Why or why not?
- - Yes. There are definitely effective strategies I could utilize more consistently. I also have resources where I can continue to learn more coping mechanisms and behavior modification.

If you have already recovered from a mental illness, how did you do it? What advice do you have for those with your condition(s) who are still suffering?
- - (see some suggestions above)

If you’re in the recovery process, what are you actively working on and how is it going?
- - I have scheduled two hours next week when I will go meet with 3 - 4 professionals including a behavioral health professional. I look forward to getting some feedback from someone who's totally new to me, and to perhaps learn some more suggestions.
Also, at a funeral today, I tried to get past the "How are you?" "Fine." conversation, and try to subtly give an honest answer about the current situation with those who know me well and who I trust. It's hard to do so sometimes without appearing attention-seeking. Sometimes, just a "hi"-"bye" conversation is most appropriate time-wise.


Keep writing!

Ruth Rodgers
RRodgersWrites