I'm grateful for my sanity- I've learned not to take it for granted. I'm grateful for my health insurance and effectiveness of my medications to keep symptoms at bay. More importantly, I'm grateful for my family and extended family (friends). I'm able to bounce back because I have a solid support system and treatment team.
Modeling Recovery
When my family and I learned about my schizophrenia we didn't know what to expect nor what recovery could look like. Back in 2007, when I was diagnosed, there weren't people- black nor white disclosing their illness on public platforms like YouTube and social media.
There was nobody to model recovery for me- being a young black woman. However, I saw the movie with Diana Ross- Out of the Darkness. A movie made for television about a young African-American female living with schizophrenia. In short, she dropped out of medical school and suffered with her diagnosis. Fortunately, she got involved in her recovery and started dating, living independently, and managing life well. I used her character as an example of recovery because of the little similarities. When I stopped attending my university I didn't know what I was dealing with. Over time, I've gained insight on this condition and how to conquer it.
Nowadays there are several peers sharing their stories of recovery online. I hope this will bring awareness to our community and help educate each other on the facts that recovery is attainable.
Mastering Resiliency
My life experience continues to teach me over and over again that I have a good life. As a black disabled female and single-parent I have more disadvantages. Yet, my journey has taught me that I can win. I might have a relapse, but I'm able to come back and master resiliency, be humble and grateful.
After a few years in recovery I've adopted a pattern and way of recuperating. I believe resiliency is a gift, but also a skill. Growing up my mother reminded me to "never let them see you sweat." After my incarcerations, hospitalizations, and setbacks and disappointments, I've learned how to continue walking with my pride and dignity despite the situations. The best advice I can share on developing the skill of resiliency is to keep trying as if you were looking for a job.
Gratitude
I've been fortunate to have the same psychiatrist for over a decade. I trust my doctor and follow his recommendations. We've tweaked my medication for years especially at controlling the low moods. I remember all too much my bad, dark and dreary days of my depression and how it was hard masking it for my son. I'm grateful to be in this place mentally and emotionally today- in a good space.
I'm grateful for my life journey. I'm thankful my faith allows me to be at peace with the loss of my mother. I give thanks to my higher power regularly for who I am and who I'm becoming. Most importantly, I'm still here- with gratitude, love for my family, and desire to motivate and support others on their journeys of recovery, book publishing, and wellness.
Like you, I 've been through a lot. Therefore, if you're struggling with your mental health believe that brighter days are attainable for you too. I encourage you to be open to considering new and different treatments to fighting back. Aim to develop your coping skills because living with a brain disease is challenging and will be challenging. However, there is room for growth, recovery, wellness and goals.
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