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Milestones on my Recovery Road

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community/socialising/inclusion | hospital | male | medication | peer support (informal) and befriending | psychosis | seeing things differently | self knowledge/learning/growth | self management | spirituality | suicide | support from family | support from friends | support from mental health professionals | taking control | volunteering

Author: Alistair MacDonald
Published: 28 September 2005

In the following thoughts on recovery, Alistair MacDonald lists the major recovery milestones along his journey.


These major milestones on my road to recovery have so far covered a period of 7 years.  No one milestone is more or less important than another and each contains a story. 
  1. Hospital care, diagnosis and drug therapy which eventually brought my psychosis under precarious control and allowed me to return into the community.
  2. Luck/chance that I survived a determined suicide attempt.
  3. The discovery that a computer could hold my attention and improve my concentration when nothing else could.
  4. The realisation that I should unconditionally accept myself as I am with all my imperfections.
  5. Following a demonstration of clairvoyance and mediumship at our village hall I began to learn and understand the concept of reincarnation which slowly led to my spiritual awakening.  This understanding that we are here for a reason gave me a purpose for remaining in this world and eventually released my suicidal thoughts.
  6. I began to love myself unconditionally.
  7. The understanding that “you are what you think” ~ change your thoughts and you will change yourself ~ unfortunately it’s not possible to do this while psychotic.
  8. Although I’m not active in the financial economy I’m active in the social economy of volunteering which has been of great benefit and has helped me enormously.
  9. Through time and hard won experience I have learned to live within my limitations and to know what to expect if I’m foolish enough not to do so.
Although I’m not cured from my mental illness I’ve recovered sufficiently to want to live and participate in my community and wider society having regained my lost self esteem.  Throughout I have been helped and encouraged by professionals, fellow patients, family and friends. The journey continues.

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activism community/socialising/inclusion coping strategies creativity depression employment (+) exercise female hospital male medication medication (-) peer support (informal) and befriending seeing things differently self knowledge/learning/growth self management sense of self support from family support from friends support from mental health professionals supportive spouse/partner taking control talking therapies voluntary mental health services volunteering

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Story disclaimer
The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure.
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