Healing & Recovery
Every person experiencing a mental health problem can have hope for recovery. Recovery is the process of overcoming problematic symptoms and achieving better health and wellness. There are many pathways to recovery. Each journey is unique to an individual’s needs, desires, goals, support systems and abilities. It is a worthwhile journey and most people, with proper treatment, experience a much better quality of life.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), hope, the belief that challenges and conditions can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs in many different ways. Recovery is characterized by growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness and may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.
There are four major dimensions that support recovery according to SAMHSA:
- Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
- Home—having a stable and safe place to live.
- Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence and resources to participate in society.
- Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
In later life, these dimensions might be at-risk or in flux. It is important to examine stability and satisfaction in these areas to support recovery.
To learn more, please visit SAMHSA’s website.