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NikNikSenior Contributor
In this Topic Tuesday we will be having a community discussion about what recovery means to you.
We take a journey through the word 'recovery' - our feelings around it as well as the public's perception of this word.
- Lauz
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In response to: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
MazaritaSenior Contributor
Some of the things that make me feel better within the framework of my mental illness:
A lot of the things that help me are also things I struggle to do almost every day.
In response to: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
QueenieSenior Contributor
For me, recovery is a spectrum. There's no hard and fast rules to say when you have recovered or when you'll reach recovery. Something to consider in my recovery is my level of functioning, which I believe goes hand in hand with my level of recovery. Eleven years on from my first diagnosis, I would say (like an old Sane book of the year), I am recovered, not cured. I will probably always have my diagnosis, but that doesn't mean I cannot recover and reach a level of functionality which mirrors that of my peers. Things like getting up in the morning and either studying, or eventually pursuing a career of my choice, having successful close interpersonal relationships with people I care about (and who care about me), making positive life choices which are individual to me.
Sure, I'll have my dips and bad times, are the road to recovery and healing is not linear.
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
Shakeelah25Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
Unknown userMember
Welcome @Queenie - thank you for this perspective. I like how you have differentiated 'recovered' from 'cured'
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
QueenieSenior Contributor
They are attainable goals to have @Shakeelah25. I've recently had an uproar of feelings towards people I care about, but who do not care about me (therefore not an investable relationship if that at all makes sense). I have a few close relationships which are rewarding and operate on a successful two-way street... the way it should be.
In response to: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
MazaritaSenior Contributor
@frog, yes, we seem to have similar perspectives on this. I like what you say about it being a movement in the best direction to let go of fantasies of complete cure in cases like ours. I agree that acceptance is not easy, perhaps it comes in waves over time.
Having said that, I know there is a big difference between me in an out of control bipolar state and where I am now, which is relatively stable, or at least without the huge extreme swings of mood I used to experience. In this sense I have reached some degree of 'remission' through medication, therapy and self growth. But the picture of my life (to those who know me) doesn't look much at all like 'the norm' and is not likely to ever resemble that really.
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
Shakeelah25Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
frogSenior Contributor
I think you're onto something @Mazarita re acceptance perhaps coming in waves over time. I really like that analogy. On my better days I see myself as riding the waves of emotion, anxiety, whatever comes my way. Acceptance underpins this. The question about what we can do to feel good ... I am working on self compassion and self care.
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT
Unknown userMember
So, we have 30 minutes left and there has been a really shared and valid experience around what makes us feel 'recovered'. A few of you have also mentioned some things you would like to achieve.
Some positive words have been used tonight in replacement of recovery which has been identified as very relative and most times not useful or realistic, particularly when talking about complex and chronic issues.
So I am going to throw them back to you all and ask what goals could you set for yourselves to feel:
?
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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