WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that having
hope plays an integral role in an individual’s recovery.

Unfortunately, many people with serious mental illnesses do not seek or receive treatment; in 2002 fewer than half of adults with serious mental illnesses received treatment for their mental health problem. The common reasons
people do not seek treatment include cost, fear, not knowing where to go for services, and concern about confidentiality and the opinions of neighbors and community. This fear of what people may think — the stigma that surrounds mental illness — is a serious barrier to treatment and recovery. Fortunately everyone can do something to reduce stigma.

What is a Consumer?  an individual who is the beneficiary of the provision of structured mental health services or activities

Natural Supports: Supports provided which assist the persons served to attain the goals of independence and productivity and facilitate their integration into the community. Natural supports are provided by persons who are not paid staff members of a service provider, but they may be planned, facilitated, or coordinated in partnership with such a provider.

Additional Resources on Recovery

Consumer/Survivor Mental Health Information from SAMHSA

• Recovery and Living
• Consumer/Survivor Publications

Recovery from a Psychiatrist's Viewpoint by Ronald Diamond, MD

Hope and Help, PowerPoint presentation by Ronald Diamond, MD

Dialogue for Recovery (program from MHA to facilitate conversation between doctors and patients regarding treatment and recovery with a serious mental illness)

National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery - This document clearly defines recovery and sets forth the 10 fundamental components of recovery. It was developed through the deliberations of more than 110 expert panelists representing mental health consumers, family members, providers, advocates, researchers, managed care organizations, State and local public officials, and others. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services

Recovery Wisconsin  (based on the Wisconsin Mental Health Recovery Model)

It's my Time: journeys to healing and recovery (.pdf; story of recovery from trauma)