Principle 1 Recovery as an individual process
Recovery is described as a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s
attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. It is a way of living
a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life even with limitations caused by
illness. Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purpose in one’s
life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness (Anthony,
1993).
CRM champions the individuality of the lived experience and the ownership
of the recovery process by the consumer. A recent review by Andresen, Oades
and Caputi (2003) of 28 experiential accounts, 14 articles by consumers and
eight qualitative studies, identified four common recovery processes: (a)
finding hope (b) redefining identity (c) finding meaning in life, and (d)
taking responsibility for recovery. The personal manner in which a mental
health consumer experiences these processes is highly variable. CRM respects
the personal journey and self-determination of consumers.
Hope
Finding hope is the catalyst of the recovery process; it can come from within,
or can be triggered by a peer or significant other. Positive roll-models can
be helpful in this regard. Hope also maintains the momentum of recovery. Snyder,
Michael and Cheavens (1999) have identified hope as the common factor in all
successful therapeutic endeavours. Although the beginning of hope is usually
described as a realisation of the possibility of a brighter future, Snyder’s
definition of hope comprises three distinct elements: awareness of a goal,
envisaging pathways to the goal and the belief in one’s ability to pursue
the goal.
Self Identity
A significant impact of mental illness can be the loss of one’s identity.
To go from having a socially accepted role in society, to being labelled as
“crazy”, and to doubt one’s own mind, can severely damage
a person’s sense of self. Pettie and Triolo (1999) explored the struggle
to redefine oneself during the recovery process, and described two ways of
reconciling the self with the illness. One way is to accept the illness as
part of the self in a spirit of growth. Alternatively, the illness is seen
as something separate from the “real” self that has to be lived
with. Curtis (2000) illustrated recovery as a process of moving from being
engulfed by the illness, to accepting the illness as just a part of the whole
self.
Meaning in Life
The reestablishment of meaning in life is central to the concept of recovery
(e.g. Curtis, 2000; Ridgway, 2001; Tooth, Kalyanansundaram, & Glover,
1997; Young & Ensing, 1999). Descriptions of recovery almost always include
the discovery of new meaning and purpose in life. Often a person’s life
goals are no longer available to them, and they face the task of reassessing
their values and goals in life. Alternatively, a person may find different
ways of attaining their ultimate goals. This theme is strong in accounts of
all types of recovery, not solely from mental illness (Emmons, Colby &
Kaiser, 1998).
Responsibility
The fourth important dimension is taking responsibility for one’s own
recovery, including self-management of medication and well-being (e.g. Curtis,
2000; Deegan, 1994; Tooth et al., 1997). Responsibility involves having autonomy
in one’s life choices, being held accountable for one’s behaviour,
and being willing to take informed risks in order to grow (Mead & Copeland,
2000; Bassman, 2000; Tenney, 2000). It involves taking control in one’s
life, and being in control of the illness (Williams & Collins, 1999).
A common factor in these four elements of recovery is personal goals. The
importance to motivation and psychological well-being of pursuing meaningful,
autonomous goals is well documented in the non-clinical literature (e.g. McGregor
& Little, 1998; Sheldon & Kasser, 2001).
|
|
Media resources
Key references
Library resources |
