Four years ago, my life seemed to unravel. The pressures of being a finance director, combined with personal and professional stress, took a devastating toll on my mental health. The accusations of fraud, the subsequent legal battle, and the shame of being charged and imprisoned pushed me to the brink. I attempted to take my own life and my mental health hit rock bottom.

But that was also the starting point of my journey towards recovery. Through intensive support and guidance from a chaplain I met in prison, I slowly began to rebuild my life. It’s been over a year since my release from prison, and I’ve made significant progress. However, the journey isn’t linear. Setbacks are an inevitable part of the recovery process.

Recently, I’ve faced some tough family issues that have triggered a decline in my mental health. It’s been a struggle to cope, and I’ve felt like I’m taking steps backwards. But here’s the thing: setbacks don’t define us. It’s how we respond to them that matters.

The truth is, mental health recovery is a lifelong process. It’s not something you achieve and then forget about. It’s a continuous journey of growth, self-awareness, and self-care. And sometimes, that means facing setbacks along the way.

So, how do we deal with setbacks? For me, it’s about acknowledging the struggle and seeking help. I’ve reached out to the chaplain who supported me through my time in prison, and we’ve been working through the issues together. I’ve also leaned on loved ones for support and prioritised self-care activities that bring me joy.

Another crucial aspect is self-compassion. It’s easy to beat ourselves up over setbacks, but that only perpetuates the cycle of negativity. Instead, I remind myself that setbacks are a normal part of the journey. I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.

The recovery process is not about achieving perfection; it’s about learning to live with imperfection. It’s about embracing our vulnerabilities and using them as opportunities for growth. When we focus on progress, not perfection, we can navigate setbacks with greater ease.

My journey has taught me that resilience is not about being immune to challenges but about being brave enough to face them head-on. It’s about recognising that setbacks are not failures but rather stepping stones towards healing.

If you’re struggling with mental health setbacks, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help. The recovery process might be long and winding, but it’s worth it. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your strength and resilience.

As I navigate my setbacks, I’m reminded of the power of hope and determination. I’m not the same person I was four years ago, and I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today. If you’re on a similar path, hold onto hope. You are stronger than you think, and recovery is possible.

Setbacks come, but don’t be blue,
Recovery’s path is one for you.
Through life’s struggles, we find our way,

And brighter days will come to stay.
With every step, we heal and grow,
And lessons learned will help us know.
The journey’s long, don’t give up the fight,
Keep moving forward, shine with all your might.
You are strong, and you will prevail,
And a brighter future don’t think you’ll fail.

written by Darren Parker
blogger @poemstellium