Mental illness doesn't have to last for the rest of your life! I know that took time for me to adjust too. When we recover our humanity and realize we don't have to be perfect, or be happy all the time, then we find the true Self, that is capable of much more than we ever dreamed was possible.

If you need a an example then look to Daniel Fisher, m.d., PhD. He does have a book out about his experience of recovery from schizophrenia. Reading this book about his experience has helped need to understand that mental illness is totally recoverable. Recovery takes time and effort and a willingness to continue every day. I'm not saying this will be easy, I'm saying it will be worth it.