Dear S3anne:
I was in the hospital back in October 2013 for mental health reasons.
This was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Right from the day I was admitted I was receiving treatment
in a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy class. There was also a
Spirituality class and a Music Therapy class and then a
Processing class. We also had a Goals meeting in the mornings
and a Wrap Up meeting in the evenings. I was in the hospital
for 12 days and in those 12 days I learned more than I had
during the previous five years ! I had only been on medication
previously, but had never learned any coping skills whatsoever.
While I was in the hospital a local organization that deals
with mental health came in and tested me. I was interviewed
and tested. I then became qualified to receive services
through the county because I was mentally ill. This was also
the best thing that had happened to me because I had been
sick for several years and all I had gotten was medication
and no "therapy". Now I have access to a free psychiatrist,
free nurse, free medication and free programs that offer
classes and workshops and support groups. I can combat
my isolation by participating in these programs, I can
meet people that are just like me and I can learn the skills
that can help me manage my symptoms. Maybe there are
some of these same opportunities in your community
that would help you ? Talk to your Psychiatrist or Primary
Care Physician to see if they know of any programs
in your city, state or county that you may qualify for.
Sometimes families just don't "get it" and they will
never "get it". Sometimes families cannot be our
support system and we need to find that support
system somewhere else. I have a sister that does not
"get it" and so I cannot get the support I need from her.
She is still my sister and we are friends, but as far
as my mental health, she cannot be a support
person. I have to rely on my peers to be a support to me.
Sorry this is so long. I am sure that I have gone off topic by now.
Lynda Lu