Ten Therapeutic Approaches That Helped Me Through Mental Illness

Once upon a time I was a young girl in my early twenties who experience repetitive bouts of depression.  Then I turned into a young lady who experienced psychosis, was diagnosed with potential bipolar disorder and prescribed medication as a means to managing my condition.  

Now I am an (almost) middled aged woman who generally doesn't experience either depression or psychosis.  

I don't claim to be "cured" as I don't regard my troubles or suffering as diseases or illnesses that can be treated or cured. But I have worked through my problems, improved my self awareness and learned how to manage my own emotional wellbeing and mental health on a daily basis. So long as I continue to do that, I believe (or I hope)  that I will continue to be just fine!

So what helped me to get to this point? In this blog post I try to summarise the main therapeutic approaches that have helped me along my journey and continue to help me today.

1. Medication

I don't take medication now, but when I was at my worst it was a life saver.  Medication is a very powerful stabiliser for many.  Whilst I am an advocate for natural approaches, I also believe that in times of crisis or when you can see no way out, medication can definitely be a viable option. You can read more about my views on medication in my previous blog post - medication in its place.

2. Psychotherapy

I received psychotherapy for around two years. Initially I went twice a week and then reduced to once a week.  With the support of my psychotherapist I gained amazing insights into my psychosis and states of depression. I gradually peeled away the layers to get to some of the core issues that were contributing to my poor mental health. It was a long explorative journey that has in fact continued to this day... Only now I continue the exploration on my own, without a psychotherapist.  I do on occasion turn to counselling if I get stuck with an emotional problem I can't work through, but in the main I'm okay without.

3. Life Coaching

After a while I realised where I had come from and what I was dealing with in the present. My self awareness developed beyond belief while receiving psychotherapy. But I reached a point where I thought, "Okay, but what do I do with all this awareness and knowledge?  Where do I go from here?"  At this stage, I turned to a life coach, who helped me to assess my lifestyle and career, to come up with a plan for my future that fitted with the me that I had now come to know.

4. Traveling & Scuba diving

Now the fun begins! I wanted to travel more and take more time to scuba dive.  Scuba diving has been one of the most therapeutic activities I have participated in for many reasons over the years. I find my sanctuary surrounded by warm water and beautiful marine life, or on board a boat with the wind blowing in my hair and the sun beating down on me.  Through traveling I also met some amazing people who broadened my horizons and helped me to see more of the positive aspects of myself and the world. My confidence and self esteem grew remarkably through my time traveling and levels of relaxation deepened beyond belief when I mastered scuba diving.

5. Spirituality

My belief system wasn't very strong at one stage of my life and my psychosis had religious aspects to it.  Gradually over time I explored my beliefs until I reached a point where spiritually, I know what I believe in. I have a strong faith that holds me at times when I feel vulnerable and makes much of my previous thoughts during psychosis irrelevant.  If my mind is ever likely to roam towards psychotic thoughts I have a strong voice inside me that reassures me of my truth.

6. Yoga

My journey has involved developing activities and practices within which I can find sanctuary. When I can't go scuba diving, the yoga mat is another place that I have found sanctuary over the years. By concentrating on my breath and body through yogic postures I have managed to combat insomnia and manage stress, thereby keeping any further mental health issues at bay.

7. Meditation & Mindfulness

Mastering your own mind is key to maintaining emotional and psychological wellbeing on a permanent basis. I am by no means a seasoned meditation practitioner - but I have found meditation useful at various stages and when I have managed to practice it on a regular basis I've noticed the benefits.  Practising meditation and mindfulness on a regular basis is something I strive towards as I know it is a powerful tool.  

8. Nature

Nature, nature, nature. Flowing rivers, open seas, climbing mountains, clustering woodlands and blossoming flowers. The power of nature and the sanctuary nature delivers is my current passion. Think about it... if you ask anyone to relax, close their eyes and take themselves to a peaceful place... usually they imagine somewhere in nature; somewhere where they are alone with and connected to nature... need I say more?

9. Nutrition

As part of my lifestyle I try to eat nutritious foods, but particularly focus on things such as omega 3's and B vitamins. I'm not anal about it, but I do try make sure that foods which are rich in the key nutrients that have been linked to mental health, are included in my weekly shopping list. Of course I still like some things that aren't on the list. I'm not an angel :-). But I tell you what... I really notice the difference in my energy levels and mood if I've not eaten very well. It isn't long before I'm longing for folic acid greens, vitamin rich berries and wholegrain b vitamins...

10. Being Mindful of My Emotional Wellbeing

Finally, continuing to keep an open mind and being aware of my emotional wellbeing and mood on an ongoing basis are all essential for helping me to maintain good mental health.  I try to look after my mental health in the same way that we all try to look after our physical health. That means incorporating aspects of the above points into my lifestyle on an ongoing basis as preventative measures and making sure I respond to signals that my wellbeing is slipping. For me these signals come in the form of insomnia, anxiety and stress.  Life changing events and high levels of stress are trigger points for me... and it's not always wise or possible to avoid these.. as they can often bring the greatest joy too...  My continuous challenge is to be mindful in advance and ensure that I have the appropriate self care and support structures in place, so that I can live my life to it's fullest potential, without fear of relapse.