Recovery Movement

The Recovery Movement is the belief that people can and do recover from mental illness. It's recognizing that recovery should be the single most important goal for the Mental Health services system. Recovery is most likely to be successful in a society of acceptance and where the negative attitudes around mental illness are eliminated. It's a journey of healing meant to enable a person with mental health problems to live in their own communities and achieve their full potential. Recovery is integral to the work and goals of PMHCA. We advocate for recovery-oriented services for individuals and for recovery-oriented system changes including law and policy reforms.

PMHCA RECOVERY PROJECTS

Guiding Principles of Recovery

The following principles provide a philosophical and conceptual framework for all people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. The following principles guide us as we move toward the belief and reality of recovery.

There are many pathways to recovery.
Recovery is self-directed and empowering.
Recovery involves a personal recognition of the need for change and transformation.
Recovery is holistic.
Recovery has cultural dimensions.
Recovery exists on a continuum of improved health and wellness.
Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude.
Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition.
Recovery involves addressing discrimination and transcending shame and stigma.
Recovery involves (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community.
Recovery is a reality. It can, will, and does happen.

17 Elements of A Recovery-Oriented System

When advocating for a recovery-oriented mental health system, the following characteristics embody the principles and beliefs of recovery:

person-centered
inclusive of family and other ally involvement
individualized and comprehensive services across the lifespan
systems anchored in the community
continuity of care
partnership-consultant relationships
strength-based
culturally responsive
responsiveness to personal belief systems
commitment to peer recovery support services
inclusion of the voices and experiences of recovering individuals and their families
integrated services
system-wide education and training
ongoing monitoring and outreach
outcomes driven
research based and
adequately and flexibly financed

Read more about these Principles and Elements in the CSAT whitepaper: Guiding Principles and Elements of Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care.

Stories of Recovery

What does Recovery look like? What does it feel like? Everyone walks their own path to find mental wellness and develop their own tools to help them remain on the road to recovery. Reading and sharing the stories of one another can help our healing process by connecting with others who have been in our shoes. It is important to share your story and speak your voice. It could help another see that they are not alone.

If we listen to one another with open hearts and minds, we can stand together and walk the road of recovery toward a world of understanding.

The following are stories written by others on their journeys of recovery.

You can find more stories like these Here on SAMHSA's Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health and also Here on the Faces and Voices of Recovery Website.

Recovery Resources

A Call to Change Toward a Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Service System for Adults was published by OMHSAS to establish a firm foundation for creating a recovery-oriented mental health system in Pennsylvania. it provides a concise definition of what is recovery and what is and what is not considered a recovery-oriented system.

The Consumer Guide: is a guide to advocacy for mental health consumers in Pennsylvania. It was created to help those in Pennsylvania dealing with mental illness learn about the mental health system and when, where, and how they can shape it.

SAMHSA Home Page - SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

Center For Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) - Promotes the quality and availability of community based substance abuse treatment services for individuals and families that need them.

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) - Focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses. CMHS helps states improve and increase the quality and range of treatments, rehabilitation, and support services for people with mental illness, their families, and communities.