Tips for Recovery from the Two Great Mental Illnesses Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression

Back then the Great Depression was over; we had just won WWII; and our family structures were strong; it was modern times, and people flourished. Now we have the "Great Recession," endless unwon wars, and families dissolving fast. It is post-modern times. Life today is one big pressure cooker, and the rates of people being diagnosed with the classic mental illnesses of bipolar disorder and major depression are skyrocketing,

Although I had that all important encounter with Christ and was born again while still a teen,I suffered from bipolar disorder and long bouts of major depression for nearly a lifetime. But I found my way out. And I feel that as a Christian it is only right to share the things that facilitated my wonderful level of recovery for the past 20 years. Hopefully others will not have to suffer quite as long as I did though this article.

Get Your Spiritual House in Order: Renew your faith, and make a fresh start with God. For me that meant calling for the elders of the church for prayer as prescribed for the sick by the Bible. Somebody must have prayed the prayer of faith because it worked. It was the beginning of my long, painful recovery.

Declare Your Independence Move out. If you are an adult living with Mom and Pop, move out. The more emotionally independent you become, and the more you learn about handling you own money, the healthier both you and your will finances become. And if you are in any kind of abusive relationship, flee! You may think you love him, but that love is not returned. I repeat, your so called lover does not love you. An abuser loves only his or herself. And how do you expect to recover when you are being battered either physically or verbally everyday.

Get the Level of Treatment you Need If you need the hospital, sign the papers. Yes the hospital is scary and awful. but mental illness can take you worse places than the hospital. There is jail and the street and worst of all, a suicide's grave. You could be driven to commit a crime if your illness is not properly treated or end up sleeping under a bridge. Is this the future you want for yourself? And don't let an embarrassed relative pressure you from getting the treatment you so desperately need. It's you who is in danger of going to an early grave or jail, not your well meaning loved one.And what case scenario do you think would bring more shame and pain to the family, hospitalization or suicide? Under treated mental illness is a dangerous thing. And being emotionally blackmailed to not get much needed medical treatment is just another form. of mental abuse. It's your future, your suffering and your life that's in danger.

Get Moving Get off the couch. Get off that chair. Get out of that sickbed. While you need to get your proper rest when manic, bed rest is not a proper treatment for depression. You need as much exercise as you can get. For me it meant walking a lot. And I have been much better off for it, both mentally and physically. Move. Move. Move.

Be Productive As you get better, start to do things. Get a hobby. Volunteer and do things for others. Take on a creative art form to express yourself. Do things for yourself instead of always depending on others all the time to do everything for you. And when ready for the responsibility, adopt a shelter pet and save a life. All these things made me feel real good.

Take Your Medication Work closely with your doctor to find the right medication. It will help you to get well and stay well. I consider it to be my responsibility to take my meds. I would not want bad things to happen because I'm not taking my medication or not cooperating wth my treatment. With freedom comes responsibility.

Now, I urge you to take control of your own life and recovery.

Be responsible. Be productive. Be well. Recover.

With Love

Your Friend

Shirley

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