Recovery sounds like a simple thing. But after years of study and almost a decade of clinical experience, it turns out that recovery is one of the most complex things to achieve, even with help from a mental health specialist!
Recovery makes me think about the biology term homeostasis, which as defined by biology-online.org means:
“The ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes.”
Nothing in this world is static; nothing is fixed or permanent. It is very easy to buy into the delusion or belief that everything appears exactly as it is, but it is not. We are composed of atoms that are in a constant state of movement and vibration.
We Are Regenerative Beings
Our bodies are always in a state of flux, and through homeostasis, the body is continuously striving to maintain an optimal healthy living balance. Your skin cells are constantly dividing and growing new cells while shedding dead ones. Your bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, your liver is in a constant state of regeneration, and every day, red blood cells are being degraded and recycled and new red blood cells are created in your bone marrow. There are examples for every organ and system in your body.
What does this have to do with psychiatry, mental health, or recovery? My point is that we are all in recovery from the moment we are born; physically, mentally, and I would even go as far as to say as spiritually.
From the moment we are born and take our first breath when we are grieving the loss of a loved one, or trying to figure out our place in the cosmos, we are already recovering. We are seeking stability within our minds while dealing with life events. The only difference between our minds and bodies is that our bodies maintain homeostasis without any effort, but our minds require active effort to remain in balance. That effort may be in the form of mediation, stopping negative thoughts, learning something new, or some other form of mental engagement, but it requires doing some form of action, none the less.
So recovery is really “the process and journey of life in spite of what obstacles are thrown in your way.”
Getting Unstuck
It is when we forget that life is in continuous motion that we become distressed. Once you accept this concept that anyone alive is in recovery, you will have made a major mental shift! You will find yourself in a place where healing can begin and take root!
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To your mental health,
Paul Rashid MD
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