With nothing left to lose, you come to a point in life where you only have a few choices. You can run from your problems, you can step up and face them, or you can let them consume you and ultimately self-destruct.

However, running from your problems usually leads to self-destruction. So, it all comes down to fight or flight. When shit hits the fan and you finally come to a breaking point, are you going to confront your problems and fight against them? Or are you going to run and hide until they come and find you?

This is one of the hardest challenges in life that many people face. Yet many prevail. With fighting comes pain, and with pain comes recovery, which leads to healing.

What exactly is recovery?

According to the National Institutes of Health, “Few studies have been conducted on the topic of recovery and existing ones typically fall short of defining the term.”

Many researchers define recovery only in terms of substance abuse and abstinence from drugs or alcohol, or from an injury. But recovery is so much more than that. You can be on a road to recovery from a broken heart, from trauma, mental illness, loss of a loved one, towards self-realization and healing, or for simply feeling lost or set back in life.

With the widespread substance abuse and mental illnesses, the recovery process is a common path for people who must learn how to cope with life-changing situations. Assistance in one’s healing process may just be their only way out, and that’s why rehabilitation, counseling, therapy and recovery programs are so important.

No matter what type of pain or problem you are going through, just know that there are answers for you and you can get better if you take the right measures.

Though some challenges are harder than others, they’re all fought with one common purpose.

Recovery is best done with the help of others. Motivation lies in challenging yourself to be greater. And finding yourself is the purpose of it all.

For those overcoming addiction, fighting against mental illness, or just embarking on a journey for self-fulfillment, the healing process takes time. Nothing in life comes easy, and that’s why it’s okay to seek help from others. People can inspire one another.

According to goodtherapy.org, a few recommended methods for coping with emotions during the healing process include, joining a support group, keeping track of your triggers and journaling your feelings.

Let go of the fear.

Most importantly, letting go of the fear of stigma, judgement, or criticism, is the only way to overcome anything in life.

The World Health Organization concluded that, “stigma is a major cause of discrimination and exclusion: it affects people‘s self-esteem, helps disrupt their family relationships and limits their ability to socialize and obtain housing and jobs.”

Recovery is often damaged by stigma. It is important to be strong enough to not let it affect your healing process. Don’t let the hate hold you back.