Recovery Mental Illness Recovery

In discussing the implications of a recovery model on service users/survivors and mental health services, it is essential to define recovery. In illustrating the controversial nature of this concept it is pragmatic to discuss service users and workers in mental health because implications of the recovery model affect both, but in different ways. It is important to realize there is a division in the focus of each group; service users generally want independence from services while health care providers focus on methods and models (Bonney & Stickley, 2008). In working together both groups can improve the provision of recovery services.

Mental health is a complex phenomenon that consists of a range of diagnoses, treatments and outcomes. Recovery from such experiences has historically meant to completely remove all symptoms of illness, but is now currently thought of as regaining a sense of control over and development of a new meaning and purpose in one’s life, rather than feeling defined by the illness. Each individual understands it in their own personal way, likened to a journey towards self-determination, choice, and empowerment.

In mental health the concept of recovery is a contrast to the medical context to which we are accustomed to. Individuals experiencing mental illnesses have expressed recovery to be “elusive, not perfectly linear… erratic, we flatter, slide back and regroup…establish a sense of integrity and purpose” (Roads to recovery, n.d.), which reflects

According to Merriam-Webster, mental health illness is described as a broad range of medical conditions (such as major depression, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, or panic disorder) that are marked primarily by sufficient disorganization of personality, mind, or emotions to impair normal psychological functioning and cause noticeable grief or disability and that are usually related with a disruption in standard judgement, feeling, mood, behavior, interpersonal interactions, or daily functioning. Mental health is described as a level of psychological comfort, or the absence of a mental illness. It is the "psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment from the perspective of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an person 's capability to enjoy life, and produce stability connecting life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. The World Health Organization, suggests mental health illness includes "subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, inter-generational dependence, and self-actualization of one 's intellectual and emotional potential, among others. The WHO further states that the well-being of an individual is encompassed in the recognition of their capabilities, managing with normal stresses of life, constructive work and involvement to their community. Ethnic differences, prejudiced evaluations, and competing professional

Regarding the treatment of mental illness, there are two effective forms that have caused considerable debates in the field of psychology: the medical and the recovery models. While there are significant differences between these two models, they are both effective when used concurrently. The efficacy of the medical model alone is diminishing as it focuses too narrowly on treatment goals, and may ignore the needs of the client. On the other hand, the recovery model focuses on the client and allows them to take control of their treatment and rehabilitation, which helps promote positive change. Recovery is often seen as a lifelong journey that requires the client to be wholly involved in the recovery process. This is why the recovery model values

Recovery is a term used when an individual comes to terms and overcomes the obstacles associated with a mental illness. (Le Boutillier et al.,2011).

Contemporary mental health care is a changing and developing field. Traditional practices of understanding and caring for those with mental illness are being challenged (Trenoweth, 2017). Personal recovery is not a new concept. Although it is significantly different to the biomedical model, it has been well written about in literature, putting a significant influence on policies and the delivery of care within today’s practices. When people with a lived experience of mental illness started to challenge the biomedical model of care, recovery orientated health care began to grow (Barkway, 2013). Before further exploring both personal recovery and the biomedical approach, we will look at what recovery is. Slade (2009) outlines a two part definition

Due to their inability to adjust to American culture and traditions, European Immigrants crowded Psychiatric facilities. Mental illness was looked at from the medical perspective and was viewed as incurable, causing individuals to be directed to asylums. Revolutionizing ideas about the causes and treatments of mental illness and deinstitutionalization revived the role of Occupational Therapist in the role of treatment of mental illness. A century later, and though the assistance of occupational therapy in mental health and in the community remain available, still the prevalence in the 18-25-year-old group continues at double the rate of the general population (AOTA). The recovery model emphasizes independence and supports a person’s journey

The concept that has most interested me so far is that of the “Recovery” model as put forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), (Summers, 2012). This is a fundamental change in the way that mental illness and substance abuse has been previously viewed and treated. This model recognizes that giving (or not taking away) a person control of and responsibility for their own recovery is the key for the client to develop a sense of purpose and to be able to envision a future which is more productive and less stressful. (Summers, 2012)

The expression of “recovery” originally began in the addictions field, referring to a person recovering from a drug or alcohol disorder. Emerged in the 1930’s as a grassroots consumer advocacy movement, it was not taken seriously by professionals until in the 1980’s. It was at this time the mental health field therapist realizes that, similar to recovery from an addiction, recovery from a mental illness is also possible. Recovery is describing as a personal centered, that is contested with problems or diseases centered treatment., that works the same way as the narrative therapy approach, separate person from the problem. While recover means different things to different people. SAMHSA defines the recovery model as “A process of change

Recovery emphasizes managing symptoms, reducing psychosocial disability, and improving role performance. The goal of recovery is to empower the individual with mental illness to achieve a sense of meaning and satisfaction in life and to function at the highest possible level of wellness. The

More than 40 million individuals in the United States have problem with psychiatric disabilities, and among these, 4 to 5 million grown-ups have been determined to have extreme psychiatric disabilities. Peoples with mental disabilities experience the considerable problems in daily life. The community support system which helps to maintain their quality of life by providing support in treatment and rehabilitation. All patients experiencing extreme and steady emotional instability require restoration/ rehabilitation. The objective of psychiatric recovery is to help mentally disable

(2007). In their analysis of the literature, they identified the core elements of recovery that are essential to the individual in terms of their perception of recovery Onken et al. (2007). These include access, hope, take action in self-determined ways, develop agency, and create meaning and purpose in life pursuits. This furthermore aligns with the previous study as it demonstrates the patient’s view for recovery is a more holistic manner and being able to cope rather than being symptom free Onken et al.

The concept of recovery from mental disorder, especially for youth, is highly discussed when talking about mental health research, and is the core focus of this article. Recovery in mental health is highlighted to be variable, and can not be considered consistent amongst all patients. This variability permits a deeper evaluation of how recovery is being used in the treatment. The issues scrutinised comprise the meaning of recovery, the different opinions on the likelihood of a full recovery and the effective support for recovery. The practicality of treatment is questioned, and what profound and longstanding consequence of such treatments could have on youth in treatment.

Psychosocial rehabilitation has its theoretical roots in evolving a failed effort, by the mental health system, to help mentally ill patients in coping with the psychosocial devastation brought on by severe mental illness and behavioural problems (Correctional Services Canada, 2013). The traditional methods of treatment viewed recovery as a process of curing an illness, usually with medication, but recovery does not subsequently occur once their illness is “treated” (CSC, 2013). This traditional method was ineffective because their recovery was halted by limited support and skills and ‘abnormal’ behaviours learned in institutions (CSC, 2013). These deficits resulted in chronic impairments and maladaptive social functioning (CSC, 2013). These individuals were unable to fulfill normal social roles and successfully live independently in the community (CSC, 2013). The PSR approach to recovery incorporates more than just eliminating the signs and symptoms of the illness, is based on understanding the patients voice and experiences and encouraging participation and self-determination in treatment (CSC, 2013). This approach recognises the care values such as hope, empowerment, and determination are essential to recovery (CSC, 2013). The importance of skill development and community support are also highlighted (CSC, 2013).