Andrea Rosenhaft is a therapist who used to be a psych patient.
Here is how she used writing to recovered from anorexia, depression and BPD.
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How does the therapist know what to say?
When to stay silent?
For my own clients, I possessed great empathy and compassion.
James Pennebaker, Ph.D. a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is a social psychologist.
I knew where they were now, where theyd been.
Most days, I was able to hang on.
Sometimes I couldnt separate the ethereal trails my feelings left from the layers of dust on the nightstand.
Depression was hardwired into my DNA.
This time, treatment included several hospitalizations and ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) to emerge from the deep abyss.
My ascent took almost three years, during which time I was unable to work.
Write about what you know, said Julie, the instructor.
I almost did an abrupt about-face as I thought, All I know is mental illness.
I persisted and penned my first essay about my experience with anorexia.
James Pennebaker, Ph.D. a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is a social psychologist.
I shook as I read aloud to the class week after week.
Id found a kind and welcoming community of writers who remained nonjudgmental.
The class was my first exposure in years to a group of people whose focus was not mental illness.
I was flattered and surprised, but secretly, I doubted my chances.
Months later, the acceptance e-mail arrived, and I ecstatically reread it several times.
Putting the tip of my index finger on my byline, I drew it back quickly.
I felt compelled to touch my name to ensure it wouldnt disappear.
With every view, I cemented the belief that I belonged with the other authors.
I couldnt erase my name.
It would still be there next week, next month, and next year.
I carried that label inside me for a long time.
Each time I needed to be re-admitted into the hospital, I shrank a bit inside.
Now, I had tangible proof that I was capable of more.
With the power of words, I was chasing away the hold mental illness had on me.
I wrote and wrote and wrote.
With the power of words, I was chasing away the hold mental illness had on me.
She replied, If you write, then youre a writer.
From that moment on, I was.
I look directly in their eyes and tell them I realize how much they are suffering.
When I reassure them that life gets better, I believe they somehow sense the depth of my understanding.
My history as a patient informs my work with a reality that is impossible to fake.
Even a little while can be a blessing.
Writing has become a passion that imbues all aspects of my life.
I know what its like to lose hope.
I also know what its like to have found it again.
By sharing my story, Im helping others to feel less alone.
Writing gives me a purpose.
Writing keeps me sane.
Andrea Rosenhaft is a licensed clinical social worker in the New York City area.
She is recovered from anorexia, major depression, and borderline personality disorder.
Andrea writes and blogs on the topic of mental health and recovery.
She lives in Westchester, New York with her rescue dog Shelby.
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