During 30 years of Recovery, I have tried several approaches to help manage my mental health symptoms. Typically I followed the rule of six. When I decided on a certain method I gave it at least six sessions or attempts. Once I find something that helps I do whatever it takes to continue incorporating it into my Recovery Plan.
My wife and I are gluten-free. Our habit is to enjoy a cookie with our morning coffee. We have tried several different brands that meet our nutrition criteria. We finally found a cookie we like that has some health benefits for us. A few months ago it became more difficult to find the cookies in the store we regularly shop at. It is disappointing since it took forever to find the right fit for us. We got word that our favorite kind we buy was being discontinued.
Despite our regular grocer not carrying the brand name we like, I have been able to find the kind we like at other stores. These cookies work for our diet plan. For this reason, we are willing to travel around the Chippewa Valley to find and purchase them.
Similar to finding the cookies we like, I have traveled around to find services to help support my recovery plan. Let me share a couple of examples of what I mean.
I was seeing a fantastic therapist in the area and I made tremendous progress with them. Suddenly I found out they were leaving the clinic they worked for. I had to shop around to find a therapist with the same qualifications and used similar therapy techniques. I found one that is the right fit for me.
I was with a Psychiatrist for several years. Our insurance changed and I was forced to find another one. Psychiatry is in great demand making it difficult to find a person. Again, I looked into several options and happened to find one in Rochester Minnesota. I am not crazy about the distance and drive but it meets my needs.
I have learned when an approach is working for me and is no longer available I can seek to find an approach that is the same or similar somewhere else. There is more than one grocery store in the area and there are countless services (yoga, mindfulness training, exercise, dieticians, equine therapy, support groups, etc.) that can benefit our Recovery. The key for us is to never give up!!!
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/