Consensus Statement Defines Mental Health Recovery
SAMHSA recently unveiled a consensus statement outlining
principles necessary to achieve mental health recovery.
The consensus statement, developed through deliberations
by more than 110 expert panelists, represents mental
health consumers, families, providers, advocates, researchers,
managed care organizations, state and local public officials,
and others.
"Recovery must be the common, recognized outcome
of the services we support," said SAMHSA Administrator
Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W. "This consensus
statement on mental health recovery provides essential
guidance."
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Fundamentals of Recovery
The Consensus Statement defines mental health recovery
as "a journey of healing and transformation enabling
a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful
life in a community of his or her choice while striving
to achieve his or her potential."
The 10 fundamental components of mental health recovery
include the following principles:
Self-Direction. Consumers determine
their own path of recovery with their autonomy, independence,
and control of resources.
Individualized and Person-Centered.
There are multiple pathways to recovery based on an individual's
unique strengths as well as his or her needs, preferences,
experiences, and cultural background.
Empowerment. Consumers have the authority
to participate in all decisions that will affect their
lives, and they are educated and supported in this process.
Holistic. Recovery encompasses an individual's
whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community.
Recovery embraces all aspects of life, including housing,
social networks, employment, education, mental health
and health care treatment, and family supports.
Non-Linear. Recovery is not a step-by
step process but one based on continual growth, occasional
setbacks, and learning from experience.
Strengths-Based. Recovery focuses on
valuing and building on the multiple capacities, resiliencies,
talents, coping abilities, and inherent worth of individuals.
The process of recovery moves forward through interaction
with others in supportive, trust-based relationships.
Peer Support. Mutual support plays
an invaluable role in recovery. Consumers encourage and
engage others in recovery and provide each other with
a sense of belonging.
Respect. Eliminating discrimination
and stigma are crucial in achieving recovery. Self-acceptance
and regaining belief in oneself are particularly vital.
Responsibility. Consumers have a personal
responsibility for their own self-care and journeys of
recovery. Consumers identify coping strategies and healing
processes to promote their own wellness.
Hope. Hope is the catalyst of the recovery
process and provides the essential and motivating message
of a positive future. Peers, families, friends, providers,
and others can help foster hope.
The National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery
is available at SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information
Center at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/
allpubs/sma05-4129/ or 1 (800)
789-2647.
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