Milestones On My Recovery Road

1) Hospital care, diagnosis and drug therapy which eventually brought my psychosis under precarious control and allowed me to return into the community.

2) Luck/chance that I survived a determined suicide attempt.

3) The discovery that a computer could hold my attention and improve my concentration when nothing else could.

4) The realisation that I should unconditionally accept myself as I am with all my imperfections.

5) Following a demonstration of clairvoyance and mediumship at our village hall I began to learn and understand the concept of reincarnation which slowly led to my spiritual awakening. This understanding that we are here for a reason gave me a purpose for remaining in this world and eventually released my suicidal thoughts.

6) I began to love myself unconditionally.

7) The understanding that “you are what you think” ~ change your thoughts and you will change yourself ~ unfortunately it’s not possible to do this while psychotic.

8) Although I’m not active in the financial economy I’m active in the social economy of volunteering which has been of great benefit and has helped me enormously.

9) Through time and hard won experience I have learned to live within my limitations and to know what to expect if I’m foolish enough not to do so.

These major milestones on my road to recovery have so far covered a period of 7 years. No one milestone is more or less important than another and each contains a story. Although I’m not cured from my mental illness I’ve recovered sufficiently to want to live and participate in my community and wider society having regained my lost self esteem. Throughout I have been helped and encouraged by professionals, fellow patients, family and friends. The journey continues.

Alistair MacDonald