HOPE
Hope is a state of mind that is based on an expectation of a positive outcome when there is a challenging situation or event in a person’s life. Many studies have been done on the benefits of hope in relation to establishing and achieving goals. However, in the context of a phenomenon such as prescribed drug withdrawal, the work of Dr Kaye Herth, is most relevant. She has conducted extensive research on the subject of hope, specifically as an intervention for coping with chronic illness, with a focus on how the individual personally deals with the illness. Findings have suggested that it is beneficial to maintain a sense of hope during recovery from illness and that hopelessness can result in adverse health.
This website was built with compassion and a profound sense of hope for everyone affected by withdrawal reactions to psychotropic drugs and painkillers, that you will be soothed and encouraged as you find the support you need and read the information provided.
More than anything I want you to leave with your own sense of hope to hold on to during your most difficult times… that you will trust and believe you are healing and that one day the withdrawal experience will be over.
I did this short clip to convey a message of hope. Look at this beautiful sunlight and see it as a symbol of healing and resilience. No matter how dark the storm clouds are, behind them the sun is still shining, even if you can’t see it. No matter how dark the night has been, the sun always rises.
Remember that the reality of your situation is that your symptoms are signs of healing. What you are experiencing is a healing process. Don’t lose heart. Your healing is taking place. Keep going.
References:
Herth, K.A. (2000). “Enhancing hope in people with a first recurrence of cancer”. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 32 (6): 1431–1441.
Snyder, C.R (1994). The Psychology of Hope. New York, NY: Free Press.
Weis, Robert; Speridakos, Elena (2011). A Meta-Analysis of Hope Enhancement Strategies in Clinical and Community Settings. Psychology of Well-Being: Theory, Research and Practice. 1: 5.
Wiles, R.; Cott, C.; Gibson, B.E. (2008). Hope, expectations, and recovery from illness: A narrative synthesis of qualitative research. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 64 (6): 564–573
