People can and do recover from mental illness.
Recovery from a mental illness is not just about symptom reduction, but living as full a life as possible. Recovery means different things to different people. Six key concepts provide the foundation of effective recovery work:
With good symptom management, it is possible to experience long periods of wellness. Believing that you can cope with your mental illness is essential to recovery.
Mental illnesses often follow cycles. Although you may go through some painful times and it may be difficult to believe things will get better, it is important not to give up hope.
It’s up to you to take action regarding your mental illness. This includes asking for help from others when you need it and sticking to your treatment plan.
Become an effective advocate for yourself so that you can get the services and treatment you need and deserve, and make the life you want for yourself.
Learn all you can about your illness. This allows you to make informed decisions about all aspects of your life and treatment.
Working toward wellness is up to you. However, support from others is essential to maintaining your stability and enhancing the quality of your life.
(Note: this has been adapted and used with permission from the work of Mary Ellen Copeland. For more information on wellness lifestyles and resources, contact her at P.O. Box 301, West Dummerston, VT 05357 or visit her web site at www.mentalhealthrecovery.com.)
Here are some practices that may help you to maintain wellness and respond to symptoms …
1. Talk to your doctor or therapist regularly, especially when you are having trouble
2. Try to maintain a calming, safe environment
3. Share talking and listening time with a friend, both during difficult times and when you are feeling well
4. Participate in fun, affirming and creative activities
5. Do exercises that help you relax, focus and reduce stress
6. Record your thoughts and feelings in a journal
7. Take a walk each day, regardless of the weather
8. Create a daily planning calendar
9. Limit alcohol and avoid illegal drugs
10. Keep a regular sleep schedule
11. Eat a healthy diet, and avoid caffeine, sugar and heavily salted foods
12. Seek opportunities to be exposed to light
13. When you are confronted with troubling circumstances, stop, analyze your situation, and make a positive choice
(Note: this has been adapted and used with permission from the work of Mary Ellen Copeland. For more information on wellness lifestyles and resources, contact her at P.O. Box 301, West Dummerston, VT 05357 or visit her web site at www.mentalhealthrecovery.com.)
Strategies for dealing effectively with a mental illness include an effective treatment plan that you follow, an attitude focused on hope, responsibility, and recovery; an effective support system; healthy eating, sleeping, and activity habits; recognizing symptoms and trouble signs; and having a response plan for times of crisis. You can incorporate these strategies into your life in your own way and at your own pace. Everyone develops a different wellness plan, and the right one is the one that works for you.
The National Mental Health Information Center of the federal Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) publishes a comprehensive list of helpful resource materials for consumers. Here are a few publications that will be of special interest to people working on wellness:
 Recovering Your Mental Health, A Self-Help Guide
Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery, A Self-Help Guide
Developing a Recovery and Wellness Lifestyle, A Self-Help Guide
Building Self-Esteem, A Self-Help Guide
Making and Keeping Friends, A Self-Help Guide
Speaking Out for Yourself, A Self-Help Guide
Dealing with the Effects of Trauma, A Self-Help Guide
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