I would like to take a moment to express my opinion on The 80/20 Project DVD. I found the information to be rather insightful and it covered everything I needed to help in the recovery process. During the introduction, we see old fashion methods of treating the mentally ill; thankfully I was diagnosed with a mental illness January 31, 2005, because the inhumane treatment of the past would have rendered me even more unstable. Also during the introduction, Mike mentions hope, and this coupled with the 80/20 philosophy; provide the underlying theme of the entire video. However, never lose hope no matter how low you feel because believe me, if you lose hope there is nothing for you to be grounded by, making you even lower and more lost. Hope alone will not do it and that is where the 80/20 concept comes into play; the ‘20’ percent is the medication, which most people who stopped their medication, I included, has had a relapse. The other ‘80’ percent involves the discipline of self control, avoiding drugs and alcohol, keeping your emotions in check, and also learning the warning signs of your particular mental illness.

In conclusion, your life does not end because you have a mental illness. Have hope, work hard, and you will be a better person for surviving and having learned to live with a mental illness. It is important to reaffirm and confirm your theories and thoughts with those of another person, and Mike does an excellent job of making you feel like he is talking just for you. Mike wants to help you, and that comes through in his sincere DVD. Watch as needed, and believe me it gets better every time.

Vince Antenucci