Quote:
Originally Posted by VenusHalley
i think it's often matter of mistaking mindfulness for "happy thoughts". The most useful philosophy to get one through bad times is buddhism, imho. And that ain't a happy one. It's a lot about suffering.
it's not about thinking of rainbows farting unicorns and flowers pooping puppies. It's more about belief in yourself, your abilities (this is why the whole "chemical imbalance" **** bothers me. It tells you that you HAVE to depend on meds... and if they don't work, you are screwed). There are many ways to get through the day... but in each YOU play a big part.
You cannot really put a life philosophy in some bumper sticker slogan though. Be it bootstraps or imbalances.
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I do believe it is chemical. It's a disorder in the chemistry of the brain. But that doesn't mean we have no responsibility at all.
Look at diabetes. That's the malfunction of the endocrine system (chemical.) If you have type 2 they put you on all types of pills to balance things out.
But meds alone do not help. You have to take responsability. You have to look at your diet and make changes. You have to exercise more. You have to work at it. The pills do not make it go away.
Then if you need insulin (both type 1 and type 2) you still have to work at it. Yes, the insulin helps. But you have to learn to count carbs. You have to know how to exercise and how it effects you. You have to work at it and it's hard work.
It's the same with mental illness. Whether you are on meds or not, you still have to take responsability for taking care of yourself. Proper diet, proper sleep schedul, proper exercise, proper therapy. The goal is wellness.
But just like diabetes, just "willing it to go away" doesn't mean it's gone. Even if you're in remission it's not gone, it's still there. You have to keep working at it all the time.