News & Discussion

Basic Points of Recovery

1. Pre-Recovery (basic needs come first)

• A person needs the basic essentials of life, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care before they can begin their “Recovery” journey

2.  Treatment for Symptoms of Mental Illness

•  Accepting one’s mental illness and the need for treatment
•  Understanding a diagnosis and what it means
•  Understanding the purpose and side-effects of medication
•  Understanding, choosing and utilizing treatment and supports
•  All of the above are important for “Recovery”

3.  Having a Purpose and Being Involved

•  Employment, school, volunteer work and community involvement give purpose, direction, and meaning and promote self-esteem

4.  Medical Care and Healthy Life Style

•  The average life expectancy of a person with serious mental illness is 25 years less than a person without a serious mental illness
•  Many people with a serious mental illness have problems with poor nutrition, substance abuse, obesity, smoking, etc.
•  Access to health care and a healthy life style promote “Recovery”

5.  Social Relationships and Supports

•  Meaningful relationships with family, friends, and Peers provide acceptance, support meaning and connectedness
•  Supportive relationships can help combat stigma

6.  Spiritual Meaning

•  Hope, faith, a feeling of well-being, religion and having a mentor can give people meaning to their life and help them “Recover”

For more information on recovery, click here to be directed to the SAMSHA blog