A Vet's Recovery

 

A Vet’s Recovery

Schizophrenia Bulletin, Volume 42, Issue 1, published 19 August 2015

https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbv115

 

I have just passed my 15 year anniversary since being diagnosed with schizophrenia.  Where has the time gone?  Some battles are over after one skirmish, others last a lifetime. 

When my diagnosis came,  my life was full of paranoia, delusions, and I was out of control.  I reacted to every overpowering influence with bizarre behavior.  The voices kept me isolated, on guard even when I was trying to sleep.  I was in control of a world that no one else could see or hear.  In truth, I was on a one way street that would only lead to my demise.

The last ten years has not been easy.  There have been hospital stays, numerous medications changes, and major lifestyle changes.  All of that has brought me to today where I am in a state of constant recovery.  I am fully aware that recovery never ends.   As simple as it may sound:  I must follow the rules of recovery.  Not for the next month or six months, but for the rest of my life.  About those rules of recovery.....

Rule Number One--Stay on your medication.  You may start to feel better after a month or two, but that does not mean you can go off your medication.  You are not "healed."  The medication is making a difference.  NEVER make a medication change without talking to your doctor.

Rule Number Two--Find your support system.  I have been fortunate to have great family support, but I understand this is not always the case.  There are mental health professionals at McGuire who can guide you to finding your support system.  Church groups, neighbors, and your fellow veterans are all places where you will find people are on your side and will give you the support you need to continue your recovery.  You cannot do this along; you must ask for help.

Rule Number Three--Find something you enjoy doing.  This activity will shield you from the troubling thoughts that get into your brain.  Some examples are: music, brain game, writing in a journal, exercise, following a sport or a team.  Use a computer to virtually visit the places you served while you were active duty.  Stay current by watching the news and other informative shows such as the History or National Geographic Channel.

Rule Number Four--Stay away from habits that might be harmful to your medication or your health.  When I first began taking my medication, I thought alcohol would keep the voices away.  I was wrong!  I had to totally quit.  With the help of God, I was also able to quit my 3 pack a day cigarette habit. 

Illness, mediation, and recovery is a battle.  The four weapons that I have mentioned above will give you a better chance of winning the recovery battle.  As a veteran you know what fighting a battle means.  It is not easy, but ongoing victory is possible.   In the ten years since my first diagnosis, I have fought homelessness, alcoholism, isolation, and at times hopelessness, but after ten years, I know I am here to defeat my illness.  I am not defined by my illness.  I am Jason Jepson.  I have schizophrenia, and I am recovering.

 

 

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