A mental health diagnosis is definitely not a disability. The diagnosis itself however, has an effect on the patient’s functionality. Consequently, the major questions on the minds of patients of mental health, their families not to mention their employers are: Can I go back to how I was before I got the condition? If yes, how long will it take? If not, how do I cope?
Recovery is defined as: “a way of living a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life even with the limitations caused by the illness. It involves the development of a new meaning and purpose in the person’s life as he or she grows beyond the catastrophic effects of the mental illness.”
From this definition of recovery it is evident that:
• There is a need to stay in control of the one’s life in spite of the mental illness.
• There is a possibility of regaining a meaningful life in the face of the mental health diagnosis.
Recovery is guided by several principles:
1. Recovery emerges from hope in a better future and in the ability to overcome challenges that not only comes from the patient but is also fostered by the family, health provider, employers, peers among others.
2. Recovery is person-driven where there is a high level of autonomy and independence accorded to the patient, to the greatest extent possible.
3. Recovery has many paths. Due to the unique needs, strengths, goals and background of the individual. It is characterized by continual growth and improved functioning that usually also involves setbacks.
4. Recovery is holistic. All aspects of the human being need to be catered for including: the body, the mind, the spirit and community. It does not begin and end with clinical treatment.
5. Recovery is supported through relationships and social networks composed of families, health care providers and support groups who believe in the person’s ability to recover.
Some Strategies for Recovery
Patients, their families and support sources need to be aware of actions that are necessary in managing the mental diagnosis and consequently prevent relapse.
• A wellness toolbox
This is a collection of activities that the recovering patient uses to help themselves to stay well. It could include activities such as getting adequate and regular sleep, engaging in physical exercise, participating in hobbies, having regular contact with close friends and family, attending support groups and taking medication.
• Planning
This involves the patient making short-term and long-term goals with the steps required to achieve these goals. Daily scheduling is also useful in ensuring that the person in recovery stays on track with the goals identified.
• Identifying and managing triggers
A trigger is anything that could cause an increase in symptoms. From past experience, the recovering patient and those around him or her are able to tell situations that could cause a vulnerability to relapse of symptoms. These could include anniversary dates of losses or trauma, relationship conflicts and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
In addition, there is a need to formulate methods to manage the triggers such as calling a peer in a support group or even attending the support group meeting, or journaling.
• Identifying and managing warning signs before the crisis
A relapse to a mental health condition occurs gradually. The patient begins to experience warning signs likely brought about by the triggers. Early warning signs include anxiety, restlessness, feeling slowed down or speeded up, changes in appetite, increased irritability and negativity. If not addressed, these symptoms persist and the person may also experience sleep disturbances, substance abuse and extreme isolation. Identifying and responding to the symptoms early reduces the chances of a crisis which means that others take responsibility over the care of the patient since the symptoms are now severe such as: neglecting personal hygiene, thinking one is someone he/she is not or becoming destructive, or violent.
• Crisis planning
This involves the person in recovery discussing the nature of the warning signs and crisis symptoms with his/her support system with the intention of instructing them on how to better support and take care of him/her when there are signs and symptoms of a relapse occurring. This could involve getting someone to stay with him/her, encouraging and reassuring, listening without giving advice, judging or criticizing, calling the psychiatrist or counselor among other ways.
Recovery is said to be, “a journey not a destination. ”The individual works toward improving his/her health, living a self-directed life and striving to reach his/her potential with the help of people around who are willing to support the person in the journey.
Recovery is defined as: “a way of living a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life even with the limitations caused by the illness. It involves the development of a new meaning and purpose in the person’s life as he or she grows beyond the catastrophic effects of the mental illness.”
From this definition of recovery it is evident that:
• There is a need to stay in control of the one’s life in spite of the mental illness.
• There is a possibility of regaining a meaningful life in the face of the mental health diagnosis.
Recovery is guided by several principles:
1. Recovery emerges from hope in a better future and in the ability to overcome challenges that not only comes from the patient but is also fostered by the family, health provider, employers, peers among others.
2. Recovery is person-driven where there is a high level of autonomy and independence accorded to the patient, to the greatest extent possible.
3. Recovery has many paths. Due to the unique needs, strengths, goals and background of the individual. It is characterized by continual growth and improved functioning that usually also involves setbacks.
4. Recovery is holistic. All aspects of the human being need to be catered for including: the body, the mind, the spirit and community. It does not begin and end with clinical treatment.
5. Recovery is supported through relationships and social networks composed of families, health care providers and support groups who believe in the person’s ability to recover.
Some Strategies for Recovery
Patients, their families and support sources need to be aware of actions that are necessary in managing the mental diagnosis and consequently prevent relapse.
• A wellness toolbox
This is a collection of activities that the recovering patient uses to help themselves to stay well. It could include activities such as getting adequate and regular sleep, engaging in physical exercise, participating in hobbies, having regular contact with close friends and family, attending support groups and taking medication.
• Planning
This involves the patient making short-term and long-term goals with the steps required to achieve these goals. Daily scheduling is also useful in ensuring that the person in recovery stays on track with the goals identified.
• Identifying and managing triggers
A trigger is anything that could cause an increase in symptoms. From past experience, the recovering patient and those around him or her are able to tell situations that could cause a vulnerability to relapse of symptoms. These could include anniversary dates of losses or trauma, relationship conflicts and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
In addition, there is a need to formulate methods to manage the triggers such as calling a peer in a support group or even attending the support group meeting, or journaling.
• Identifying and managing warning signs before the crisis
A relapse to a mental health condition occurs gradually. The patient begins to experience warning signs likely brought about by the triggers. Early warning signs include anxiety, restlessness, feeling slowed down or speeded up, changes in appetite, increased irritability and negativity. If not addressed, these symptoms persist and the person may also experience sleep disturbances, substance abuse and extreme isolation. Identifying and responding to the symptoms early reduces the chances of a crisis which means that others take responsibility over the care of the patient since the symptoms are now severe such as: neglecting personal hygiene, thinking one is someone he/she is not or becoming destructive, or violent.
• Crisis planning
This involves the person in recovery discussing the nature of the warning signs and crisis symptoms with his/her support system with the intention of instructing them on how to better support and take care of him/her when there are signs and symptoms of a relapse occurring. This could involve getting someone to stay with him/her, encouraging and reassuring, listening without giving advice, judging or criticizing, calling the psychiatrist or counselor among other ways.
Recovery is said to be, “a journey not a destination. ”The individual works toward improving his/her health, living a self-directed life and striving to reach his/her potential with the help of people around who are willing to support the person in the journey.
