How Long Did It Take To Gain A Degree Of Stability And Functioning? (Week One)
It depends on who you ask. I never quite felt stable in the early years of treatment, but I was assured that I was.
I think mental health professionals have different criteria for stability and functioning than us patients do.
To answer the question a little differently, it took about three years before I got the right diagnosis, and was taking decent meds.
And, I was not able to fight for myself in those days. Not at all.
I relied on help from my parents to navigate the system.
I’m just lucky I had someone to go to bat for me. A lot of us don’t have that.
How long did it take you to notice a degree of stability, regardless of what the doctor was saying? And, was there a difference in what they were saying vs. what you were feeling?
Mentally Ill In America
The only meaning I can ascribe to my life is one that challenges me and makes me happy.
#MentalHealthWarrior
I like to self-reflect.
I am into personal development (and, I am working to become more consistent).
I have a BA in Psychology.
I enjoy reading.
I love to listen to music!
I write Prose poetry.
My favorite foods are Vietnamese and Thai.
"You will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You will only be criticized by someone who is doing less than you."
For me there’s a couple of different issues that come into play here. One is lack of insight as a symptom of illness, and the other is how in tune the treatment provider is with the patient. If there are differences, the treatment provider should be able to articulate a clear rationale for that.
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I agree 100%. I think what really stands out for me, the more I look back, is that “stability” doesn’t necessarily mean “well.” This being my take. 🙂
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And from a professional standpoint as well, stability doesn’t neceessary mean well.
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I believe it. I stood in his office for many years, feeling like hell, and I was being told I was “stable.” I had a great doctor, but he couldn’t fix everything.
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I think ‘stable’ will mean something different for everyone. In my experience (still ongoing!) it is to get to know your symptoms and to integrate them into your ‘normal’ life. My goal is to learn to live with my mental challenges but still protect myself enough not to drown in them. That would be my ‘stable’.
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That’s really good. I know that it is different for everyone tho. Keep going is what I say.
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