It's great that you believe that you have succeeded in your approach. However, it's dangerous to hold your anecdote up as a recipe for success, more broadly. The 'tough it out' strategy is common, and it's forced upon us as a general solution. But, it's a terrible approach. If one doesn't 'tough it out', one is viewed as weak, and this often leads to self-medicating and other related illnesses.
But, let's try a simple experiment to determine rough odds of 'toughing it out'. Let's say that someone reads this who has been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar, or similar illnesses. That person should count the number of people in their extended family (these illnesses frequently have genetic components). Then, of that group, they should count the number who have had highly stable, productive, and predictable lives. Divide the latter by the former, and check: is the percentage low or high? If one has 12 people in their extended family, and 8 of the 12 haven't lived amazing lives, well the odds probably aren't great for them to 'tough it out'.
Some of us come from families who are quite intelligent but who just can't keep their shit together, otherwise. Luckily, we happen to live at a time when people can finally be treated for these diseases. So, what you're saying is almost like saying, 'if you have a genetic predisposition for heart disease, you should ignore any symptoms, and it will go away.' Yes, lifestyle changes can help, but at a certain point we have to agree that sometimes our genes are not meant for the type of world that we live in. And, Humans cope with genetic deficiencies, as Humans do best, with technology.
You missed the point. My story is not a recipe. It's simply an admission of what I've been through, and to offer inspiration and hope to others who are at the beginning of their struggle.
I'm also confused. How did you read my comment and come to the conclusion that I just "toughed it out"? Did you read the whole thing?
Also, you called my post an "anecdote". I do not think that word means what you think it means.
I got the point. But, you clearly tried to stress that someone can be cured of mental illness. When, this goes against the evidence.
Maybe there are a few people who can be 'cured'. But, many mental illnesses have factors that are based in the chemistry and structure of the brain. It's not that these brains are 'bad', it's just that the brains may not be suited to the types of worlds that we live within.
My post was meant primarily as a counter-point - that what you're saying is not true, generally. If someone believes that they may easily 'cure' their illnesses, they are able to really hurt themselves, badly. For most, a stable mixture of medications to balance out dopamine and serotonin is the best approach, until the neurosciences are able to learn more.
Also, I apologize for using the word 'anecdote' - I always had assumed that 'anecdote' was the root word for 'anecdotal'. But, I guess it's not. So, read what I had posted as me claiming that your story is 'anecdotal', rather than 'scientific'.
From the comment: "I can't say I'm cured, because there's a possibility I might relapse at some point in the future." Don't know how I could have stated that any clearer.
My particular diagnosis was treatable, but you're right in saying that many cannot be cured. I think your points are important to make, and I'm glad you made them.
In fact let me underscore a common problem. Many people who are treated for mental illness (especially Bipolar) often want to go off their medication without doctor supervision. Bad idea. If you need to find a better doctor, do that, but don't think you can tackle this stuff on your own.
I don't know if we are really disagreeing here. There is fantastic help for people with mental illness. Hopefully this discussion will continue, and as a society we can put an end to stuff like this: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/09/26/asdas-mental-pati...
But, let's try a simple experiment to determine rough odds of 'toughing it out'. Let's say that someone reads this who has been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar, or similar illnesses. That person should count the number of people in their extended family (these illnesses frequently have genetic components). Then, of that group, they should count the number who have had highly stable, productive, and predictable lives. Divide the latter by the former, and check: is the percentage low or high? If one has 12 people in their extended family, and 8 of the 12 haven't lived amazing lives, well the odds probably aren't great for them to 'tough it out'.
Some of us come from families who are quite intelligent but who just can't keep their shit together, otherwise. Luckily, we happen to live at a time when people can finally be treated for these diseases. So, what you're saying is almost like saying, 'if you have a genetic predisposition for heart disease, you should ignore any symptoms, and it will go away.' Yes, lifestyle changes can help, but at a certain point we have to agree that sometimes our genes are not meant for the type of world that we live in. And, Humans cope with genetic deficiencies, as Humans do best, with technology.