"Conservatorship?" Why? Why would you do that to me? I have shown
responsibility. I have shown good behavior. I have shown that I can budget
well. What made you do that? Why?
Conservatorship is not easy to go through. It is when you feel like all
control of your life has been taken away from you. Many, when on conservatorship
for the first time, feel like they will be on it for the rest of their lives. But,
conservatorship lasts about six to twelve months and then goes into review to
see if you still need to be on it.
Good luck explaining to a payee how you want your money spent. Some
people on conservatorship never get a chance to come off of it. But, in many
cases, it is just a temporary thing to go through. It just doesnt seem like it is
ever going to happen, when it is you that is on conservatorship.
I dont know how many times I have been under conservatorship. Maybe,
about five times or so, but I havent been counting. It took quite a while the
first time to gain my independence back. It takes a while, and well, the courts
assign a lawyer to your case, so that you have a fair voice in the process.
After a while, you learn to work on recovery. Demonstrating lucidity is
usually a good start in the process. Can you stay on topic? Or, do you go off
on tangents easily? Are you capable of holding a basic conversation, or do
your symptoms bother you too much to do so? Do you have a home to go to?
Or are you basically out on the street if you get released? Have you shown
that you can handle the responsibility of caring for yourself? Or have you
just let yourself go and dont care anymore?
It is hard to pinpoint exactly why you might be on conservatorship. Especially
if you have led an independent life. I would just like you to know that it is
not the end of the world to be on conservatorship. It can feel like it though.
It just means that recovery might take a little longer than one would feel
comfortable with.
Eventually, conservatorship ends. Eventually, life will feel like it is
beginning again. Just hang in there. Work on your recovery. Work with
your mental health team. Talk things over with your doctor. Learn what your
symptoms are. Learn when they might get out of control. Learn how you
gained control to accomplish your goals. Remember that you are the best
advocate for your recovery and freedoms. You know yourself best.