Mental Health America is emphasizing some key messages that draw on new ways of thinking about recovery. For example: Steps to wellness include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep, of course. But wait, there’s more: a sense of self-worth, development of coping skills that promote resiliency, emotional awareness, and connections to family, friends and community. Your ultimate destination is a fulfilling and productive life as defined by you. That’s where the “whole-life” or “user-based” model of recovery comes in. It revolves around ideas like self-acceptance, self-discovery and self-direction.
Remission of symptoms, while important, is just one step in a process of personal growth. Each person’s journey to recovery is unique. This is about helping people understand that there are many things that medicine and medical professionals can do to be helpful, our health is our own responsibility.