Valerie Dalton
Is Recovery Possible for Persons with Brain Disorders?
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Apr 23, 2008 - 10:48:34 AM

Since the mid-1980s, mental health professionals have been challenging the commonly held belief that persons with severe mental illnesses are chronically ill and unable to recover.  Over the last two decades, research studies have clearly shown that individuals with serious and persistent mental health challenges can and do recover.

So what does it mean to recover from a mental illness?  William Anthony, Director of the Boston Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, writes that recovery from a mental illness is “a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, feelings, goals, skills, and/or roles.  It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness.  Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purpose in one’s life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness.”

Recovery from mental illness is as unique and individual as the person with the illness.  It is a journey or process; it is not a cure.  Recovery occurs when an individual no longer defines herself by the labels or stereotypes of her illness or its symptoms.   It occurs when she moves away from these limiting beliefs and moves towards a more hopeful and healthy view of herself.  Mary Ellen Copeland, a pioneer in the field of mental health recovery, writes, “It is the process by which an individual recovers their self-esteem, identity, self-worth, dreams, pride, choice, and a meaningful life.”

 Several things are important to any recovery process; having hope is perhaps one of the most important, in my opinion.  Having hope is important not only for the mental health consumer, but for the individual’s family and friends as well.  Mental health professionals play an important role in helping these individuals to hold on to hope during the difficult and challenging times they may encounter.  

Another important component of recovery is taking personal responsibility for oneself. Learning self-management skills, having a determination to get better, taking action, facing life’s challenges and problems, and learning to make healthier choices, all help to facilitate the recovery process.  Another important factor in recovery is becoming educated about mental illnesses, medications, best treatment practices, community resources, tools for recovery, and signs and symptoms of relapse.

Recovery is possible.  People with mental illnesses do get better and do lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our world is a better place because of the many valuable contributions that mental health consumers  have made to their families, employers, and communities.
Next month, I’ll be revisiting the story of “Angel” (not her real name), a woman recovering from paranoid schizophrenia.  While it was once believed that persons with schizophrenia could never recover from their illness, we know this is not true; “Angel” is proof.  Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in her early  thirties, “Angel” is an active mother of two, a wife, daughter, employee, peer specialist, and mental health advocate.  She’s also decided to share her personal story with you using her real name in the hopes that by coming out publicly, she can help to end the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Have hope; recovery is possible!

This column is for informational purposes only.  Clinical issues should be directed to a licensed clinician or your physician.  Valerie Dalton, M.Ed. is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice serving adolescents and adults. 

www.valeriedaltonlpc.com | 743-7736

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