In the three weeks since I have returned home from Rogers Memorial Hospital, I have experienced joy, sadness, frustration, anger, and anxiety. I have experienced these emotions almost exactly like any other normal person would. I can honestly say that going back to Rogers Memorial Hospital on July 7 was a blessing in disguise. Without that second stay in treatment, I wouldn't be here now working, taking a class, doing exposures everyday, living life to its fullest.
The transition home was a rocky one. I fear relapsing again so much that it sometimes has the capacity to take over my thoughts. The first weekend that I was home I feared relapsing so much that my anxiety took on that fear and began to make it a reality. That is when I realized that I can doubt myself because relapse is always possible, but it is unlikely with all of the hard work I've done these last few months. I am seeing a new therapist about forty minutes away that specializes in exposure therapy for OCD. It feels wonderful to be so in control of my treatment at home for the first time ever with the help of someone so experienced. I feel more confident about my mental health than ever before. I am able to do so much more than I could back in July. Between work, school, exposures, exercising (in moderation), and spending time with loved ones, I am very busy. But I couldn't be more grateful that I am able to do these things!
On top of the big and little victories I am experiencing everyday, I am so proud to say that after a huge misunderstanding with the insurance company, my family is no longer in debt for my treatment at Rogers! I have no clue how this miracle happened, but I thank God for this crazy twist of fate! Moving forward, I am incredibly excited to continue studying Social Work, working at Culver's, and educating myself and others about mental health. Your mental health is the most important thing. Never take on more than you can handle because at the end of the day, your happiness is the most important. OCD sucks and there have been many times I wish I could live without it, but it has made me stronger, smarter, and tougher.
The transition home was a rocky one. I fear relapsing again so much that it sometimes has the capacity to take over my thoughts. The first weekend that I was home I feared relapsing so much that my anxiety took on that fear and began to make it a reality. That is when I realized that I can doubt myself because relapse is always possible, but it is unlikely with all of the hard work I've done these last few months. I am seeing a new therapist about forty minutes away that specializes in exposure therapy for OCD. It feels wonderful to be so in control of my treatment at home for the first time ever with the help of someone so experienced. I feel more confident about my mental health than ever before. I am able to do so much more than I could back in July. Between work, school, exposures, exercising (in moderation), and spending time with loved ones, I am very busy. But I couldn't be more grateful that I am able to do these things!
On top of the big and little victories I am experiencing everyday, I am so proud to say that after a huge misunderstanding with the insurance company, my family is no longer in debt for my treatment at Rogers! I have no clue how this miracle happened, but I thank God for this crazy twist of fate! Moving forward, I am incredibly excited to continue studying Social Work, working at Culver's, and educating myself and others about mental health. Your mental health is the most important thing. Never take on more than you can handle because at the end of the day, your happiness is the most important. OCD sucks and there have been many times I wish I could live without it, but it has made me stronger, smarter, and tougher.