By: Patrick

Source: Remembrance and Recovery Project by Mental Health America (Mental Health Minnesota)

When I was diagnosed with Bipolar, I thought I was lost in my own world. Then I found that group therapy helped a lot. Finally, I was able to talk to other people with similar problems. When I could relate to what they had to say I began to feel good about myself. That is where my initial recovery began. When you know that you are not alone, you can get a second wind.

When I had my nervous breakdown I really didn’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. I felt scared and alone and abandoned. That sure is a change for the worse. Then after I received help from doctors, medications, and mental health therapy programs, I started to take chances by going on the outside. If I took one day at a time by going one step at a time, I thought I could eliminate the roots of anxiety.

I had a good job before I had my breakdown. I was relatively happy, in good health and had plenty of money. I had a good education, good friends, and never worried about going anywhere. Anyway, after my breakdown, all that drastically changed. I felt the feelings of insecurity, nervousness, and hopelessness set in. That is when I discovered that I was virtually a primitive human being; because when a human being shows compassion, the feeling of love and understanding will melt away depression.