Road to Recovery (Part II)

My inpatient treatment at the mental health and addiction recovery facility lasted five days. During that time, I stayed in a building under strict supervision. Each patient had their own room, and any belongings considered even remotely dangerous—like keys, hair ties, etc.—were taken away. I was allowed to keep my Bible and my yoga mat, which I used daily for comfort and reflection.

We met with the psychiatrist every day. He asked about our mood, emotions, and history of mental health struggles, and adjusted our medications accordingly. After I was discharged, I continued seeing him at his clinic for a few years until he eventually moved out of state.

Each day, we were escorted to a separate building for meals. After lunch, we were given a 15-minute break—my favorite part of the day. I would head straight to the Serenity Garden to enjoy a few peaceful moments alone. After dinner, we participated in group therapy sessions.

Once I was discharged, I enrolled in a six-week outpatient program. I spent half-days attending lessons and group therapy, where I learned a great deal about various mental illnesses, their symptoms, and how to cope with them. I was surprised to discover that many mental health disorders share similar symptoms—like persistent sadness, bitterness, negative thinking, urges to self-harm or harm others, self-pity, distrust, irritability, and impulsiveness.

For the first time, I realized I wasn’t a “weirdo” or a “freak.” My thoughts and feelings weren’t wrong or something to be ashamed of—they were symptoms of an illness, just like heart disease or high blood pressure. I wasn’t alone. There were many others like me, struggling silently, learning to cope, and finding ways to heal.

I picked up many coping skills: going for a walk when I felt overwhelmed, setting boundaries, stopping myself from enabling harmful behavior, learning to say no, journaling to release negative emotions, and exercising. I discovered the power of self-talk—how stopping negative thoughts and repeating daily positive affirmations could shift my mindset.

Just a few days ago, I stumbled upon a folded piece of paper tucked inside a book. When I unfolded it, I realized it was a list of affirmations I had written early in my recovery. Seeing them again brought back so many memories of that time, and reminded me of how far I’ve come.

Here are some of the affirmations I wrote:

• I am beautiful.
• I can do the things I am determined to do.
• I am worthwhile, successful, and happy.
• My family loves me.
• I am blessed with good health, a loving family, and a job I love.
• I am an amazing woman.
• I have many friends and they support me.
• I accept the things I cannot control.
• I always give my best effort, and that is good enough.
• I am smart, confident, and capable.
• I seek the best in other people and accept their weaknesses.
• I am always cool, calm, and understanding.
• I accept the choices of other people.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, know that you're not alone—and healing is possible.

What are your favorite affirmations? Feel free to share in the comments. Let’s support each other with kindness and hope.

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