Jenn’s Recovery Story: A Journey Not A Quick-Fix

By Jenn, Blogger and Freelance Writer

I was diagnosed with depression at around age 12, and I felt like the world had come to an end for me. I have since had many struggles and what often feels like a war raging within me. I have learned a lot through these struggles, and I think that even though I don’t feel that I’ve fully recovered from my battles with mental illness, I can say that things are improving, and the lessons have been lasting.

I learned that just because you are in a state hospital doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish anything.  I was about 19 or 20 and in a state hospital for the third time.  I had dropped out of high school because I didn’t have the credits to graduate despite age wise being old enough to be a senior.  My class would graduate that year, but I wouldn’t.  As I said, I was in a state hospital for my third time, not long after I dropped out of school.  I was asked if I would be interested in getting my GED.  I not only had my doubts that I would be able to qualify to take the test, but I doubted even more that I would pass.  I was provided with a tutor and between working with her and studying every moment I could on my own, I somehow managed to not only qualify to take the test, but to pass on my first try.  This was a huge milestone in my life.  I learned that it didn’t matter where I was, and that if I was willing to put in the effort, there was at least a chance I could overcome my obstacles and come out on the other side with some kind of success.

Another lesson I have learned is that despite the efficiency of microwaves and modern technology, the pace I can expect to have a change come about in my life depends on how much effort I put into it.  If I don’t work at something, then there will be little or no change, but if I put some effort into facing my struggles and figuring out what I can do to maybe change the way things are in my corner of the world, then yeah change really is possible.  It may take a few days, or in other cases it can take years for change to come about, but, for me, I find that I am always morphing and striving to reach beyond where I am.  I feel I’m further in my recovery then I was when I took my GED, but yet at the same time, I still have what feels like a long ways to go before I will be where I hope to be.  In the meantime, I will keep pressing on and evolving into someone better then I am today. Recovery is a journey not a quick-fix. Be patient with yourself. Learn to pick yourself up one more time when you get knocked down and you will succeed over time.