What is recovery?

Putting recovery into action means focusing care on supporting recovery and building the resilience of people with mental health problems, not just on managing their symptoms.

There is no single definition of the concept of recovery for people with mental health problems, but the key idea is one of hope that it is possible for meaningful life to be restored, despite serious mental illness. Recovery is often referred to as a process, outlook, vision, conceptual framework or guiding principle.

The recovery process:

* provides a holistic view of mental illness that focuses on the person, not just their symptoms
* believes recovery from severe mental illness is possible
* is a journey rather than a destination
* does not necessarily mean getting back to where you were before
* happens in ‘fits and starts’ and, like life, has many ups and downs
* calls for optimism and commitment from all concerned
* is profoundly influenced by people’s expectations and attitudes
* requires a well organised system of support from family, friends or professionals
* requires services to embrace new and innovative ways of working

The recovery model aims to help people with mental health problems to move beyond mere survival and existence, encouraging them to move forward and carry out activities and develop relationships that give their lives meaning.

Recovery emphasises that while people may not have full control over their symptoms, they can have full control over their lives. Recovery is not about ‘getting rid’ of problems. It is about seeing people beyond their problems, recognising and fostering the opportunities that harness their abilities, interests and dreams. Mental illness and social attitudes to mental illness often impose limits on people experiencing ill health. Recovery looks beyond these limits to help people achieve their own goals and aspirations.

Recovery can be a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. Experiences of mental illness can provide opportunities for change, reflection and discovery of new values, skills and interests. (Mental Health Foundation)

Mental Health Recovery model

Recovery is often called a process, an outlook, a vision, a conceptual framework, a guiding principle. There is no single agreed upon definition of recovery. However, the main message is that hope and restoration of a meaningful life are possible, despite serious mental illness (Deegan, 1988, Anthony, 1993).

Anthony, W. (1993). Recovery from mental illness: The guiding vision of the mental health service system in the 1990’s. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal, 16(4), 11-24.
Deegan, P.E. (1988). Recovery: The lived experience of rehabilitation. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal, 11(4), 11-19.