I bet you didn't realize...

posted August 29th, 2014 at 5:48 PM

...that there are lawyers, nurses, baristas, UBC professors, construction workers, teachers, architects, engineers, janitors, heavy equipment operators, and doctors who have successfully recovered from serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder. It's a real tragedy that more of these people don't share their experiences -- we could all use a little more hope. I'm a skilled professional with a lot of education, and if you met me there's no way you'd know that I spent several years in that special version of hell that is psychosis. Nobody can predict what your potential is when you're sick. Nobody can tell you that you'll never work again or never go to school again -- not your boss, not your mother, not your doctor. You can go back to school, you can get a job, you can meet someone who loves you for who you are, you can be someone your friends and loved ones rely on rather than pity. Take it from someone who's been there...it's all possible. And if you don't hit your goal of becoming the owner of the Canucks, don't sweat it. Take time to appreciate your successes, no matter how "small" they might seem to an outsider. Believe.

13 Comments

:)

Aug 29, 2014 at 8:13pm

Thank you for this; this made my day.

Excellent One!

Aug 29, 2014 at 9:02pm

That inspired me to write my story. I am successful after a chunk of my life being in that Hell. Cheers to you and thank you for being brave enough to say it like it is. There is a butt-load of mis-education out there. Blessings. You ought to be up at the very tip-top. xo

I dont get it.

Aug 29, 2014 at 10:06pm

What are you talking about

deedee

Aug 29, 2014 at 10:12pm

A skilled professional and very literate...have you thought of compiling a book on the success stories you know of : to offer hope to others? Maybe first hand accounts...because i am a survivor...and have compiled some writings...true accounts ...i want to share but have no outlet.....

Confused

Aug 29, 2014 at 10:54pm

I really do wish more people would come out and discuss this even if it is on a no name basis.

I keep hearing that these people exist but I struggle believing it since most of the people who are open struggle on a daily basis or are functioning well below their level of intelligence. It's sad really.

It's true

Aug 30, 2014 at 12:12am

A friend of mine was talking to her buddy who is a "part time" heroine dealer and he said you'd be amazed at the clientele. Daycare owners, doctors, counsellors. All of them have a functioning addiction. It's messed up.

Sounds like

Aug 30, 2014 at 12:57am

over & mis- diagnosing from psychiatrists

Thank you

Aug 30, 2014 at 8:51am

Thank you so much for writing this.

@sounds like

Aug 30, 2014 at 9:01am

If it's possible to recovery from physical illnesses in some cases, why assume that you can never recover from from a mental illness, and if some one gets better it must be a misdiagnosis? You clearly don't understand mental illness.