Posted by Christ_empowered on July 3, 2010, at 19:57:14 [reposted on July 4, 2010, at 9:58:41 | original URL]
In reply to support, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on July 3, 2010, at 19:27:08
Dude, we are in a similar boat, only I'm older than you, which, BTW, makes me feel like grandpa. I'm 26, no college degree despite years of college. Now I'm starting over after the nervous breakdown to end all nervous breakdowns (seriously: I've been warned by the fam that I lose all support if I have another un-medicated freak out).
Anyway, the 20s are weird anyway. I hear the 30s are more mellow, especially if you can get your stuff together now. Don't pay attention to the people around you; just focus on your own goals (and forumlating those goals).
Me, for instance--even though getting degrees is the thing to do in my family, I'm considering doing a technical occupation that would require 2 years training at most. It also pays reasonably well and in a couple years I could afford training to do what I really, really, really want to do. Or I might settle for this vocational gig, since it seems like its fulfilling and would pay the bill$. You gotta think for yourself.
You also need to watch the meds. I'm moderating my previous antipsychiatry thing b/c I'm seeing that *careful* medication use can play a role in recovery. If you over- or under- do it you're going to end up with serious problems. Now that I think about it, it seems like maybe God is giving you this somewhat strict doctor to help you regain/gain the ability to self-regulate your emotions with more limited help from medications. This could be painful in the short-run, but it will probably be helpful in the long run. Personally, I think going off all meds for a long time paid off, even though it cost me, too...I wish I'd done it your way, w/ controlled medication use.
I'd encourage you to pray. I'd personally recommend Christianity (check the screen name), but faith in general has a beneficial effect on people. It also helps you see beyond the present, and focus on things outside of yourself, which is always good for your "mental health."Good luck to you.
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:953231
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20100528/msgs/953232.html