Posted by Noa on March 30, 2001, at 18:07:03
In reply to Wow! Thanks NOA, hope that works!!!, posted by Dubya on March 30, 2001, at 16:34:51
> >The day I actually get over these illnesses, I will really celebrate.
I think I have learned to conceptualize it differently---I have a serious chronic condition that, with treatment, is in remission. However, I am aware that I may at some point have a relapse, but because of how well the treatment is working, I expect that the relapses will be briefer and much easier to treat than previous episodes.
Also, I see the process of psychological healing, so necessary in conjunction with the biological healing, as an ongoing process. Yes, in some ways, I do wake up most days now and feel grateful that I am so much better than I was before--so in some ways, it is like that day you long for, feeling "over" the problems. But I am also a lot more realistic now than I was before. "over" doesn't mean completely free of any depressed mood. It includes an acceptance that sometimes, like all "normal" people, I may feel depressed or anxious, etc. My problems, ie, things in my life that I don't like, or want to improve, etc., aren't all "gone". It is a work in progress, getting better over time.
So that is why I conceptualize it differently than the idea of coming to "a" day of "getting over" the illness.
My illness is in remission, it is a matter on ongoing management to keep it there. I have not been "cured", but that is ok.
I agree with James that therapy might be a good complement to your medication treatments. Once your meds are at therapeutic levels, hopefully, it will be a bit easier to start to look at the psychosocial aspects of the illness. And remember, it is is a process, one step at a time, and not one with linear progress, necessarily, so it does take patience.
The effort is hard, but worth it.
poster:Noa
thread:5389
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010324/msgs/5399.html