Mental Health Recovery
Mental illness is common – 1 out of every 4 people are diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lives. Most of us know someone who has a mental illness, yet we often don’t know that with treatment and support, people with mental illness can and do recover.
Mental health recovery is an important goal of mental health treatment. It is a personal journey which is different for every person, with many paths to reach this goal. Mental health 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. (SAMHSA, 2012)
Hope is the foundation for recovery and the catalyst for change. It is the belief that people can and do overcome the obstacles and challenges resulting from mental illness. Hope is a personal belief and can be fostered by others – professionals, families and friends.
Key Principles
Recovery:
- Emerges from hope
- Is person-driven
- Occurs via many pathways
- Is holistic
- Is supported by peers and allies
- Is supported through relationship and social networks
- Is culturally based and influenced
- Is supported by addressing trauma
- Involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility
- Is based on respect
Four Dimensions supporting a life in recovery:
- Health
- Home
- Purpose
- Community
Learn more about mental health recovery from SAMHSA
Download this pdf about the principles of mental health recovery
