The one thing many people don't consider is, that many people with acute mental health issues also suffer from a degree of post traumatic stress disorder. To go through life so off balance can "shell shock" a person. You learn to be fearful of people, jobs, social situations because they have been so rocky. Not to mention you are completely trying to rewire the brain. It is daunting but can be done. Though I have moments where I struggle I have managed to really improve my quality of life. It takes a degree of awareness as to when you start cycling, what is causing the cycle and then making the most healthy decision you can about it. There are times when I say "Screw it I am going for the ride" still and I make stupid decisions and regret it after wards, but I am better and you can be too. It only took me 8 years to get here =/. Some have better success and sooner and some take longer. Being an emotional addict is like any other addiction, it requires daily maintenance.