Recovery is a process by which an individual with mental illness recovers self esteem, dreams, self worth, pride, choice, dignity and meaning.
"A personal process of overcoming the negative impact of psychiatric disability despite its continued presence"
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RECOVERY
1. The consumer directs the recovery process; therefore, consumer input is essential throughout the process.
2. The mental health system must be aware of its tendency to enable and encourage consumer dependency.
3. Consumers are able to recover more quickly when their:
- Hope is encouraged, enhanced and or maintained
- Life roles with respect to work and meaningful activities are defined
- Spirituality is considered
- Culture is understood
- Educational needs as well as those of their family/significant others are identified
- Socialization needs are identified
4. Individual differences are considered and valued across their life span
5. Recovery from mental illness is most effective when a holistic approach is considered
6. In order to reflect current "best practices" there is a need to merge all intervention models, including Medical, Psychological, Social and Recovery
7. Clinicians initial emphasis on "hope and the ability to develop trusting relationships influences the consumers recovery"
8. Clinicians operate from a strengths/assets model
9. Clinicians and consumers collaboratively develop a recovery management plan. This plan focuses on the interventions that will facilitate recovery and the resources that will support the recovery process.
10. Family involvement may enhance the recovery process. The consumer defines his/her family unit.
11. Mental health services are most effective when delivery is within the context of the consumers community.
12. Community involvement as defined by the consumer is important to the recovery process.
MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY COMPONENTS
There are ten essential components consumers and communitites need in order to provide effective services and support to affect recovery:
- Clinical Care
- Peer Support and Relationships
- Family Support
- Work/Meaningful Activities
- Power and Control
- Elimination of Stigma/Discrimination
- Community Involvement
- Access to Resources
- Education
- Spirituality