Mental health has been a taboo in societies for a long time. It’s one of those features of life that everyone assumes is quietly taken care of, but sometimes needs active support. Recovering from mental health disorders or stressful periods when mental health is in disarray can be a gargantuan task. But recovery is not impossible, and lots of help is available.
Path to recovery
There are two broad types of recovery as far as mental health is concerned — personal recovery and clinical recovery.
Clinical recovery is the domain broadly associated with psychiatrists. It refers to recognising mental health symptoms and countering and healing them one by one. Medications are prescribed, tests and talks are done in a standard and efficient manner here. This works in the case of those diagnosed with clinical depression, or deep neurosis or psychosis. Extreme disorders such as schizophrenia, dementia, delusions, paranoia are treated in this manner.
Personal recovery includes not only getting better but also achieving a full and satisfying life. Generally, psychologists concern themselves with this kind of treatment. This phase usually comes up after the clinical recovery is complete. Recovery here may not be always necessarily equated to ‘cure’. Mental health recovery is a long process, one that sometimes can span a lifetime. True mental health recovery focuses more on empowering individuals to regain control over their lives and emotions, and provides them with the tools to manage their mental health challenges in healthy ways.
There are 5 steps to be taken when trying to heal your mind -
1. Remind yourself that you’re not alone, and reach out to others.
Help each other out. Positive and fulfilling relationships with loving people are the best way to maintain a healthy mind. They don’t need to number in the dozens. Just a few genuine friends will work wonders for your recovery.
2. Pay attention to your mind — listen well, without pretensions.
Sometimes you are too proud to admit your limitations. But your mind will always tell you what the reality is if only you listen to it. Taking time out to slow down, being still and simply listening is one of the most underrated methods of therapy there is.
3. Take care of your body too, especially when you don’t feel like it.
Humans are emotional beings. But when it comes to your bodies, being rational goes a long way. A sound mind exists in a sound body, as the proverb goes. Feed yourself properly, and exercise your body.
4. Attend therapy sessions with your specialist if you feel you require professional help.
Sometimes your regular methods aren’t enough. Trained professionals can help you see truths about yourself and guide you on your path to recovery. Their experience and expertise might just be the push you need to work things out.
5. If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as prescribed.
Don’t be your own doctor when it comes to medication. Take only the medicine you have been given, at the right dosage, at the prescribed times. Get to know all the relevant details from your doctor or therapist and follow their advice strictly.
It is known that the journey to recovery is not an easy path. There will be highs and lows, new discoveries and challenges. Each time you reach a milestone, you see that you have recovered a piece of your life and you draw new strength from it. Over time, it will be possible to look back and see that despite all the obstacles and discouragements, significant progress was made. The journey to full recovery takes time, but it will all be worth it.
