Ok, so I blog for therapy but today I went to ACTUAL therapy. I was enrolled by my psychiatrist when I was having some destructive thoughts a couple weeks ago in an intensive outpatient group therapy program. I really liked it! I found it so helpful to talk to others who are struggling with the same things I am, and to learn coping skills to help me take control back in my life. Medication only helps me stabilize, they aren't happy pills that fix all my problems. Now that I'm getting stable I need to learn how to handle my stress and anxiety, because that never goes away.
My mom taught me something this week that I hadn't thought about before. One thing this disease has done for me (she's still trying to talk me into being grateful for it) is that it has stripped away all of my pride and brought me to new levels of humility, and not in a bad way. I have exposed my weaknesses and struggles for everyone to see. I used to be afraid of that, SOOO afraid of admitting I had a mental illness, because I didn't want to be judged or teased. There is a social stigma associated with mental illness that is perpetrated in the media, in hollywood, in books and magazines and movies. What I found instead was support, understanding and acceptance. Not being afraid of it is actually accelerating my healing.
So yay for group therapy! There really is something to be said for sharing our common experiences and knowing we're not alone! My other favorite kind of group therapy? A girls night out at the Golden Spoon.
4 comments:
Definately more people need to talk about it. Why is there such a stigma? Once you can talk about it openly, you open the door for healing to take place. Therapy sessions are sometimes just the thing we need, helps gain those life skills that allows the medication to work at its best.
I think it is awesome that you are open about it. I think so many people struggle internally and it helps to know you are not alone sometimes!!
So do you get up and say "Hi My name is Jill, and I am crazy!" (group) "Hi Jill"
HAHA! Just kiddin... I think its great that you are feeling better! And I think that the beauty of the southwest...with the pinks and tuquois, and cactus...would only help you on your road to recovery! =P
Yay for you being there, Jill! I sure am going to miss the group but hope to keep in touch with everyone once it is over. You really are a blessing to us all. I have learned a lot from you :) Elaine
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