Lately, I have been struggling with a battle inside of me – schizophrenia and addiction. This fight is wearing me out, and I am determined to get better but it’s an uphill battle. Every time I make progress in one area, it seems like something else takes a step back. It’s like being tied to two resistant animals.
Since I started getting treatment for my mental health a few months ago, I’ve noticed some positive changes: I am thinking more clearly and feeling less agitated for the most part. That being said, it’s still not easy for me and some days can be really tough to manage my inner turmoil on top of work or school obligations.
My biggest challenge right now is managing my addiction issue while trying to stay on track with my mental health management plan. All of the substances available these days can really cloud judgement and derail recovery efforts if consumed too regularily – so this is where I’m having to rely on self-discipline in order to do what is best for me.
I’ve been attending therapy as well as peer support groups, which helps me to develop coping strategies that are healthier than falling back into substance use habits that feel more automatic or ‘comfortable’ even though they aren’t particularly beneficial for me in the long run. It’s hard but worth doing because the reward of improving overall wellbeing far surpasses short-term gains or rewards from drug use.
It won’t be an easy journey but bit by bit I am learning how to take care of myself better while making progress towards healing both my addiction and schizophrenia issues together.