The article shares a personal journey of overcoming a rebellious youth marked by undiagnosed mental illness, leading to self-harm and risky behaviors. At 14, the individual faced severe challenges, ultimately being hospitalized for a year, where they received a diagnosis and impactful medication. Family therapy played a crucial role in mending their relationship with family. Years later, they celebrate sobriety, have built a stronger bond with their mother, and have established a successful career as a property lawyer, highlighting the importance of support in recovery.
I was a rebellious kid, but a lot of it was as a result of (then-undiagnosed) mental illness. At 14/15, I would constantly argue with family, self-harm, sneak out, get drunk, hang around with much older teens/people in their early 20s, and have sex. Eventually, I ran away and was brought home by the police.
I ended up getting sent to a psych hospital for a year and was diagnosed and prescribed life-changing medication. My relationship with my family was mended through hours of family therapy and self-reflection and my parents' learning how to acknowledge and support my mental illness/recovery.
I still take medication every day. I've had a handful of relapses with self-harm etc. over the years, but I'm turning 28 this summer, I'm 11 years teetotal sober, my mom is my best friend, I just bought my first home, and I now work as a property lawyer at a fantastic firm that supports my ongoing recovery.
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