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?  A consumer is an individual who is the beneficiary of the provision of structured mental health services or activities.  Learn more about the History of the Mental Health Consumer Movement from this ADS Center archived teleconference

Natural Supports are those 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.

Learn more from the Recovery and Empowerment Dictionary (.pdf) from the Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice