Mental Health Recovery
Origins of the Recovery Movement
Recovery is a concept that arose from the consumer mental health movement, beginning sporadically in the 1940’s and nationally in the 1980’s when ex-patients organized and talked about their frustration with a mental health system that taught them that, due to their mental health diagnoses, the best they could hope for is the stabilization of their symptoms and maintenance of their functioning; that is, if they were compliant with their treatment and medications.
For decades, this traditional perspective has relegated people to a life of appointments, pills, paternalism, low expectations and dependency. It was their experience of oppression and helplessness that motivated people to be courageous enough to tell their stories and share their recovery from mental illness despite the treatments they endured.
As ex-patients/consumers/survivors began talking, some mental health professionals, researchers and policy makers began listening and became convinced that Recovery was possible. People with lived experience of mental health challenges began emerging as “experts,” becoming consultants, working with state, local and national governments to transform the mental health system, getting involved in policy making, program evaluations and service provisions. In further support of the notion of Recovery, some ex-patients/consumers/survivors pursued their education, became therapists as well as psychiatrists and gave a more “credentialed” professional and personal voice to Recovery.
The term Recovery soon began to be nationally adopted as the description of the successful interventions that seemed to “work” for people with mental illness. Theoretical and practical models of Recovery were developed and research on Recovery began. With this, the Recovery Movement was launched!
Definition of Recovery
There exists no single definition of the term Recovery as it relates to mental health, however SAMHSA has compiled feedback from hundreds of stakeholders and has established the following working definition:
"Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential."
The word Recovery is one that is debated among peers and professionals. Opponents of the word Recovery feel like it misleads people to believe that Recovery happens when a person is cured or able to function as if they never had a mental illness. Neither of these descriptions, however, is accurate. Some people think that more appropriate terms for the process of self-acceptance, self understanding, and strength that a person goes through in Recovery are transformation, survival, healing and overcoming.
In general, Recovery is a process. It is a process of re-establishing an identity other than patient, of gaining the knowledge, insight and wisdom to direct one’s own life, and of being empowered to make decisions and develop personal meaning and purpose. One thing that is universally agreed upon is that Recovery is a journey that is very personal and self defined.
4 Dimensions of the Recovery Process
Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA has also delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:
■Health: overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way;
■Home: a stable and safe place to live;
■Purpose: meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income and resources to participate in society; and
■Community: relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
Guiding Principles of Recovery
Recovery emerges from hope: The belief that recovery is real provides the essential and motivating message of a better future – that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles that confront them.
Recovery is person-driven: Self-determination and self-direction are the foundations for recovery as individuals define their own life goals and design their unique path(s).
Recovery occurs via many pathways: Individuals are unique with distinct needs, strengths, preferences, goals, culture, and backgrounds including trauma experiences that affect and determine their pathway(s) to recovery. Abstinence is the safest approach for those with substance use disorders.
Recovery is holistic: Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community. The array of services and supports available should be integrated and coordinated.
Recovery is supported by peers and allies: Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills, as well as social learning, play an invaluable role in recovery
Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks: An important factor in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people who believe in the person’s ability to recover; who offer hope, support, and encouragement; and who also suggest strategies and resources for change.
Recovery is culturally-based and influenced: Culture and cultural background in all of its diverse representations including values, traditions, and beliefs are keys in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway to recovery.
Recovery is supported by addressing trauma : Services and supports should be trauma-informed to foster safety (physical and emotional) and trust, as well as promote choice, empowerment, and collaboration.
Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility: Individuals, families, and communities have strengths and resources that serve as a foundation for recovery.
Recovery is based on respect : Community, systems, and societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by mental health and substance use problems – including protecting their rights and eliminating discrimination – are crucial in achieving recovery.
For a more detailed description, please visit SAMHSA's Website