Ask the Therapist
Remission and Mental Illness
I am just researching whether or not there is even a chance of remission for any of my mental disorders. I have Bi-polar, Borderline Personality, Depression, and mild schizophrenia. Actually, they say I may not be schizophrenic at all because the voices don't happen often. I take my medication and am on a
maintenance ECT (shock treatments) schedule. I never see anyone mention remission for us (people with my disorders).
A chronic mental disorder is no different than a chronic physical disorder, like asthma or heart disease. It can be managed, but it will always be there. In the case of BPD, there is more of a chance of deflecting the symptomology by learning better coping and social skills. The other disorders you mention are chemical and, therefore, more mechanical, in nature...like a heart murmur or a pro-lapsed valve -- not always a problem, but always present.
