The ninth 80/20 theme I would like to comment on is how you can ‘own your own illness’. This is a theme that I frequently discuss during my talks to promote mental health awareness and break down stigma. If there is one aspect of how we respond to our mental illness that is truly an anchor for all other factors and choices that could lead to our success, it is this.

In my experience, every single person who has managed to recover and live well, despite their continued struggle with mental illness, has accepted their situation and taken responsibility for their wellness. They own their illness; it doesn’t own them. They see that they must lead the effort towards their own recovery while those around them can offer support, reassurance and help during the difficult days.

Owning your illness is by no means an easy reality. I struggled for nearly 2 full years before I would even accept my illness for what it was, let alone take ownership of it. However, I can’t help but notice that during those years of denial I was barely treading water and, ultimately, my condition worsened. And yet, after a week-long manic episode, I was faced with the cold loneliness of the inside of a lock-down ward in a mental hospital and the absolute fear in the faces of my loved ones as they wondered what I might do next. That was when I finally accepted that I had an illness, and it was called Bipolar Disorder.

I began to research my illness, the possible treatments and the lifestyle changes that I could effect. I began not only to accept my illness, but also to become an expert on it. I began to own it. And, for me, it was clearly the right path – within 6 months I stabilized and this June, 2009, I will be celebrating 4 years of wellness and recovery.

Be well,
Jason Finucan