by Keeshler Pittman

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 14, 2009

As a mentally ill person, I believe that psychiatry and spirituality is the best method. I have been diagnosed with various mental illnesses. No two doctors view my illness in the same light. I was told by one doctor that I was schizophrenic. Later, while I was taking an anti-depressant, I was told that schizophrenia could not be controlled by a mere anti-depressant. I was told that I could not possibly be schizophrenic. Later, I was told that I was bipolar. However, later I was told that I could not possibly be bipolar. I have been told I may have explosive disorder. All of the diagnoses are enough to make me crazy. I have felt like a lab rat at times. I have had adverse reactions to various medications. I have vacationed at various psychiatric hospitals. My last vacation was in 2006.

What has been the most powerful changing factor in my mental health battle is my faith. I am a Christian. After my last vacation, I began reading my Bible daily. There is a verse that states `Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.' I began desiring to have the mindset of Jesus. I prayed and meditated daily. Change was gradual, but there was change. I entered a residential program in Baton Rouge, LA. Womens' Community Rehabilitation Center is a program for mentally ill women. I learned anger management skills. I also learned how to budget. I learned coping skills. I acquired my cosmetology license. I had completed cosmetology school four years prior to my stay at W.C.R.C. I had just never completed my necessary exams. They assisted me in getting the necessary equiptment to complete my practical exam. I failed half of my exam. They encouraged me to go back. The second time, I passed.

During my time at W.C.R.C, I was able to go to church. I continued to pray and meditate. I took medication for my mental illness. I participated in therapy groups. I went to various activities. I became very educated about the importance of maintainiing your mental health. Since my departure from W.C.R.C, I have been employed by two beauty salons. I plan to one day own my own salon. Currently, I am focusing on a writing career. I have been writing poetry, songs, and short stories since I was 9 years old. I now believe that writing is my most lucrative skill. I believe the skill is a gift from God, due to the fact that I have no formal writing training. I have won songwriting contests and recieved awards for my poetry. That inspires me to pursue writing as a career. I also desire

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