[puzzclar]

I always thought that I would have depression for the rest of my life. Constantly in/out of the hospital, and hating life. Then I came across the Lifebook program. Best thing ever!!!!

I started the lifebook program 5.5 weeks ago, now I am off one medication. I have hope, and I'm excited about the possibilities that life has in store for me.

Through the Lifebook program, I found that I don't have to be debilitated by mental illness. I might still have anxiety and depression occasionally but it doesn't have to rule my life. I found power.

I know that we all have the ability to change our lives if we want to. I have a question for each of you. What is it that you want? What is the driving force in your life what do you want? answering these questions will not only help get you out of the pit that you feel that you were in now, but you can build a better life for yourself.

it's taken me 15 years to get to this point in my life. From school being taken away from me because of my mental illness. You know I really hate the term mental illness, I'd rather go with mental health problem. Problem leads to an answer, illness leads to disaster.

I haven't gotten here overnight it is taken me months no years, to get here, to get to a place where I truly want to live. It wasn't easy oh, yes I fell, it was worth it!

My journey doesn't end here, neither does yours. Mental health problems do not have to be a life sentence, they can be a solution to a better life. What can I do now? The world is out there and I am willing to find it. Will you join me?

[AllIHaveIsHope]

Thank you puzzclar, that was a very up lifting post - I hope you continue to feel better, keep us advised

[T4bbyCat]

Yes, it's great to hear a success story on defeating depression. It should give hope to everyone, no matter how low you or I might be feeling. It's sort of the only thing that keeps me going, at least.

[puzzclar]

I'm starting to realize that I can make a few steps forward, but sometimes a slide backwards can be a reality check. I regret this afternoon. But I am realizing I can't make these changes by myself. As I feel overwhelmed by all the changes. I need to do as someone suggested, make smaller goals in the direction of the path that I want to go. But tonight I am overwhelmed by all the changes. I think I'll read a bit and fall asleep.

[Fuzzybear]

Thank you puzz for this important thread

[puzzclar]

And yet it doesn't seem like it will work. The week started good, then the more days I have been offline med, the more off I feel. Like I can't do this, I can't make the changes I know I need. Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by puzzclar

And yet it doesn't seem like it will work. The week started good, then the more days I have been offline med, the more off I feel. Like I can't do this, I can't make the changes I know I need. Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.

Recovery is never linear. There are good days followed by bad days which are then followed by good days... In any chronic illness symptoms fluctuate from day to day. The same applies to recovery. Gradually it will get better. It just takes time.

What helped me recover from a major depressive episode and a psychosis was focusing on the present. It was hard to do at times, especially if I allowed negative thoughts to overwhelm me. Finding an effective distraction helped tremendously. These activities could be anything you enjoy as long as they are not self-destructive. For me it was sorting and organizing things.

You are doing well. I know it doesn't feel like it. Don't give up.

[T4bbyCat]

Originally Posted by puzzclar

And yet it doesn't seem like it will work. The week started good, then the more days I have been offline med, the more off I feel. Like I can't do this, I can't make the changes I know I need. Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.

I tried to write something helpful, but your original post expresses it better. Getting out of this is definitely not a one-way street, though -- we all need to keep at it and never give up hope.