Getting back into the groove

Dealing with mental health problems or mental illness can be pretty hard on your confidence, and it may have made you lose touch with some of the things you used to like doing, or people you used to see.

Sometimes people need to focus completely on getting better, and have to leave their educational goals and social life aside for a little while.

When you’re feeling up to it, try to start building things back up again. As you do, you may find your confidence gradually returns, especially if you keep physically and socially active. This may be easier said than done, but you will be surprised at what you can do if you put your mind to it, especially if you build up to things slowly and gradually.

Here are some suggestions* (from teens who’ve been though it) of things you can do to get ready to get back into the groove of school or work:

Make positive lifestyle changes
When you’re recovering from any illness, you need to get some balance and activity in your life before tackling school or work. Reduce substance abuse if this is an issue. Figure out ways to cut down on stress. Have some fun doing sports, hobbies or other things you enjoy.

Figure out what you want to do
This can be tough, but everyone needs direction. Talk about your ideas (even the ones you think might be a little weird) with other people. Figuring out what you want to do can take some time, but try to set some goals: big (like choosing a career) or little (like taking a walk).

Take it one step at a time
Your full-time job is regaining your health: having patience and pacing yourself are really important parts of recovery. Don’t expect to be able to pick everything up where you left off right away - it may be too much to take on at first, so take it easy. Consider returning to school or work part-time when you feel ready.

Take control of your life
The people who are most successful at returning to school or work are the ones who made their own decisions, set their own course, and took personal control. Some of you will have trouble getting motivated and feeling energetic but remember that no one can “rehabilitate” you. Make a plan that’s really yours.

* Adapted from Family to Family Newsletter, Issue #5, Summer 2003. Full text of this and other newsletters available to view or download at http://www.cmha.ca/english/intrvent/