Mental Health Recovery

What is "Mental Health Recovery"? I'm a veteran and I was given some information from the Veteran's Association about this topic, so, I thought I would share the information I have.

The Veteran's Association is concerned with this topic because many soldiers face mental problems after having been a war. I was in a war and I can assure you that mental health is something that you have to regain. A war is hard on mind and body. The reasons I'm sure, are evident.

The 2003 President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health along with the Veteran's Association has enhanced their approach to making mental health services available; there are more of them and the direction of the treatment is better defined.

This includes "Empowerment of the Veteran"; "Work and life skills development"; "and, effective coping methods and problem-solving strategies". This "...encourages Veterans to see many possibilities; focus on real life needs; and assists in attaining goals..."

So, again, what is mental health recovery? "It is a journey of healing and transformation which allows a person to live a meaningful life..."

There are ten fundamental components to recovery.

Self-direction is "self-help"; participating in one's own recovery as opposed to being a passive observer.

Person-Centered means that the needs of individuals are considered as opposed to "guidelines"; "need -sensitive".

Empowerment means giving people the things the need to succeed.

Holistic means treating the whole person. This is taking care of mental, physical and emotional needs.

A Non-Linear attitude means that you don't pre-suppose or treat the problem as too simple.

A person needs to build on their strengths rather than focus on their weaknesses.

This program encourages peer support for feedback and direction, as well as for sharing.

Respect is often lacking when a person is battling mental illness. There is a social stigma and any program worth its salt will include respect in its recovery model.

One of the aspects of recovery that speeds it up is taking responsibility. When a person learns to do that, they are half way home.