Life is awesome - argumentum ad populum

[Jackalope]

Your anecdotal 'evidence' does not constitute applicable medical or psychological advice to anyone else.

This x 10.

While I would agree that the methodology used in the program the OP went through has value, it is far from a one-size-fits-all cure for mental illness.

Someone who is in the grip of a crushing depression, flying high in a manic episode, or in a delusional or psychotic state is not going to get any benefit from this, or most other forms of therapy. Someone in such a state is almost certainly unable to actively participate in the therapeutic process. They may be unable to recognize that they have a condition that needs treatment.

I can only speak from my own experience, and what I have observed in others that I have spoken to or participated in group therapy with.

I've been in treatment and therapy off and on for 27 years. There were times when I was asymptomatic for years at a stretch and thought myself 'cured'. In reality, I was only in remission - and in some cases, I actually was symptomatic and did not realize it. Others around me did recognize it, but I could not be convinced that I needed help.

I struggled with my illness for decades, never finding anything that would work - and I tried everything that was available.

What made the difference was nearly three years ago - I got a correct diagnosis (which can be difficult), and I started working with a qualified MD to find the right combination of medications to stabilize me enough that I could participate effectively in therapy. I could not have done so without the meds - while it is not often the case, my illness is biologic in origin and only manifests itself psychologically. Attempting to 'cure' me using non-medical therapeutic techniques would be about as effective as doing the same with a diabetic.

I've had the opportunity to observe a number of other people in various stages of therapy/recovery - and I can say that each case is different, and there is no magic bullet that works for everyone. It's also worth noting that what works in any individual case will often change with the patient's symptoms - in my case, that means that while my ordinary course of treatment is medication and weekly therapy, when I start exhibiting certain symptoms, I may need group therapy, more intense outpatient therapy, and in some cases inpatient treatment.

I am not "cured", I and never will be. I am in partial remission, and it will take work and medication to keep me in remission - probably for the rest of my life. Anyone suggesting that I don't need psychotropics to be well need only observe me for a week or two after I stop taking my medication. The changes are obvious and profound.

I'll say it again - there is no magic bullet, and anyone who claims that there is, is selling you snake oil.

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No one runs off the crazies like AF.

Only the annoying ones.

Evidence: We're still here.