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Recovery Model of Mental Illness: A Complementary Approach to Psychiatric Care

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

It can be hard to believe that things can improve when you're struggling with Mental Health (MH) issues, but it's true. Individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives with the proper support and resources. MH problems don't have to define who you are or limit your life experiences. Individuals who receive treatment for their symptoms are more likely to see improvements in their overall quality of life and personal relationships than those who do not receive help. Recovery does not mean that you will never experience another symptom or feeling again. It means finding ways to cope with signs, so they do not become overwhelming or debilitating again. This article intends to help you find ways and means of effective recovery from poor Mental Health conditions.

Contents

What are Mental Health issues?
A path to recovery
Recover well
Frequently asked questions

What are Mental Health issues?

Mental Health issues refer to a wide range of conditions that affect a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. These conditions can range from mild to severe. Some common MH issues include depression and anxiety, which can be caused by traumatic experiences or events. Other common issues include bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

MH issues can significantly impact an individual's life, affecting their relationships and work. They are treatable, and with the right support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

A path to recovery

A recovery plan is a set of activities that can help you manage your MH. The first step to recovery is to accept that you need help. Once you acknowledge that you are not feeling right, the next step is to understand what kind of assistance you need and where to find it. The following five steps will guide you through the process of developing a plan for recovery from mental illness or disorders.

Stage 1: Acceptance

The first step towards recovery from mental health issues is acknowledging that you need help. Recognising the signs of poor mental health, such as worsening symptoms or difficulty completing daily tasks, is an essential indication that it's time to begin the recovery process.

Thankfully, there are numerous treatment options and qualified healthcare providers available to assist individuals in overcoming mental health challenges. For instance, if an individual is struggling with both mental health issues and substance abuse, a safe detoxification program may be the initial step in the recovery process to get the individual physically prepared for further treatment.

Stage 2: Awareness

Next, it is essential to understand your MH needs and identify the best treatment options for you. There is a wide range of disorders, each with its own unique symptoms and treatment options. For example, treatment for anxiety is different from treatment for bipolar disorder.

In this stage of recovery, it's important to learn more about your specific diagnosis and determine the most appropriate approach to treatment. It's crucial to openly communicate with healthcare providers and share any concerns or issues you may have, as this will help you better understand your issues and the steps needed to move forward with recovery. This stage enables you to gain a deeper understanding of your condition and the subsequent stages of recovery.

Stage 3: Making positive changes

In order to effectively recover from poor MH, it's crucial to identify the triggers that may have led to the condition. Understanding these triggers can help inform the changes that need to be made in order to move forward with recovery. For some individuals, this may involve building a strong support system and creating a healthy home environment. For others, it may mean cutting ties with toxic relationships or avoiding places or situations that may lead to negative behaviours.

Ultimately, recovery involves making positive changes and sticking to them with determination and a positive attitude. This may mean making difficult choices and taking steps to avoid situations that may lead to relapse. But with commitment and optimism, it is possible to overcome mental health challenges and achieve lasting recovery.

Stage 4: Find your passion

As part of the recovery process, it's important to explore new opportunities and find new passions. This can be achieved by participating in new activities and focusing on things that bring you joy and fulfilment. Taking on new responsibilities and channelling energy into rewarding activities can help you regain a sense of control over your life. Engaging in activities that make you happy and energised can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

This stage of recovery is crucial as it helps improve your character development and integrates you into a community of individuals with similar values. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Finding a supportive and understanding community that can support you on your journey to better mental health is important.

Stage 5: Sticking with recovery

Perseverance and determination are crucial for achieving recovery from poor mental health. Therefore, remaining committed to your treatment plan is important, even during difficult times. During treatment, you will learn valuable skills that can help you maintain your well-being and stay motivated. These skills may include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy, group and family counselling, medication evaluation and management, trauma therapy, discharge planning, and other forms of intervention.

Recover well

The recovery process offers a holistic view of individuals with mental illnesses that focuses on the person as a whole rather than just their symptoms. It encompasses the essential values that one must work on during their journey to recovery.

The plan should contain aspects like self-care, determination, and persistence to encounter life’s challenges. But you need to understand that the path to recovery is not smooth. You need to invest time, garner support, and show dedication to get through each step in the recovery process.

During this journey, you must seek help from nearby Mental Health Recovery centres with qualified personnel. With their support and guidance, you can attain your treatment goals and progress through the phases of recovery.

The recovery model adds a new dimension to care and allows people with severe mental illness to take control of their lives and give them meaning. Remember that mental illness or a poor health condition does not imply the end of life's happiness. It is the way our system reminds us of the need for course corrections in life.

Frequently asked questions

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to recovery from Mental Health issues.

Is it possible for Mental Health patients to recover from mental illness?

Individuals suffering from Mental Health conditions can recover through a well-planned recovery plan that includes proper treatment and medication, counselling, offering care, moral support, and creating a healthy environment around them.

What are the recovery principles in Mental Health?

The Recovery principles may include the following.

Remind yourself that you are not alone
Pay attention to your body and mind
Take the medications as prescribed by your doctor
Never miss any therapy sessions

Can mental illness be permanently cured?

Reversal of Mental Health illness is usually not possible. However, there are recovery options to restore most of the previous functionalities you enjoyed before the onset of the illness. It requires management of the symptoms through proper treatment, medication, and counselling.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.