10 September 2023

Personal Mental Health Recovery Strategies

 Personal Mental Health Recovery Strategies: Awareness, Research and Resources

Personal Mental Health Recovery Strategies

We believe that a mental health system that was fully supporting recovery would look different in language, assumptions, theory base and working practices. It would have a natural focus on strengths.” — Mike Slade

Personal Mental Health Recovery Strategy Research

Mental Health Recovery Strategy
"Developing a mental health recovery strategy is essential for individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges. It involves a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of one's life to promote healing, resilience, and overall well-being. Here is a comprehensive mental health recovery strategy:

Self-Awareness and Acceptance:
  • Acknowledge your mental health condition and accept that it's a part of your life.
  • Understand that recovery is possible and may involve setbacks.

Seek Professional Help:
  • Consult with a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist) for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Follow their recommended treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Build a Support System:
  • Connect with friends and family who understand and support your mental health journey.
  • Consider joining support groups or online communities with individuals facing similar challenges.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
  • Prioritize physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.
  • Avoid substance abuse, as it can exacerbate mental health issues.

Stress Management:
  • Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage stress.
  • Identify and reduce sources of stress in your life.

Set Realistic Goals:
  • Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals to regain a sense of purpose and direction.
  • Break these goals into smaller, manageable steps.

Structured Daily Routine:
  • Create a daily schedule that includes self-care activities, work or school, social interactions, and relaxation.
  • Consistency can provide stability and a sense of control.

Self-Care and Coping Strategies:
  • Develop a toolbox of coping mechanisms, such as journaling, art, music, or other creative outlets.
  • Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself during difficult times.

Education and Advocacy:
  • Learn about your mental health condition to better understand its nature and treatment options.
  • Advocate for yourself in seeking appropriate care and support.

Medication Management:
  • If prescribed medication, adhere to the prescribed regimen and communicate any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider.

Therapeutic Approaches:
  • Engage in psychotherapy or counseling to address underlying issues and learn coping skills.
  • Explore different therapeutic modalities that resonate with you.

Social Engagement:
  • Maintain social connections and engage in activities you enjoy to combat isolation and loneliness.
  • Communicate openly with friends and loved ones about your needs.

Monitor Progress:
  • Keep a journal to track your emotions, symptoms, and progress.
  • Regularly assess your mental health and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Crisis Plan:
  • Develop a crisis plan with your healthcare provider and support system, including emergency contact information and coping strategies for times of acute distress.

Professional Check-Ins:
  • Continue regular appointments with mental health professionals, even during periods of stability.
  • Discuss any changes or challenges you encounter.

Adaptability and Patience:
  • Understand that recovery is not linear, and setbacks can occur. Be patient with yourself.
  • Adjust your strategy as needed and seek help when necessary.

Celebrate Achievements:
  • Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
  • Recognize the progress you've made in your mental health journey.

Remember that mental health recovery is a unique and ongoing process. It requires commitment, self-compassion, and the willingness to seek help and support when needed. The strategy may evolve over time as you learn more about yourself and what works best for your well-being." (Source: Chat GPT 2023)

Characteristics of mental health recovery narratives: Systematic review and narrative synthesis PLOS ONE


Identifying and Exploring Sustainability Determinants of Mental Health Recovery-Oriented Interventions: A Mixed Methods Study Protocol Spriner Link

How do recovery-oriented interventions contribute to personal Mental Health recovery? A Systematic Review and Logic Model ScienceDirect

Mental Health Recovery in Social Psychiatric Policies: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis MDPI

Models of Mental Health Recovery: An overview of systematic reviews and qualitative meta-syntheses American Psychological Association

Mental Health Recovery and Nature: How Social and Personal Dynamics Are Important Mary Ann Liebert


Models of Recovery in Mental Illness Social Science Protocols UK

Mental Health Recovery and Support Action Plan NSW Government

Mental Health Wellbeing and Recovery Eastern Health Australia

Personal Recovery within Positive Psychiatry Taylor & Francis Online

Recorded Mental Health Recovery Narratives as a Resource for People Affected by Mental Health Problems: Development of the Narrative Experiences Online (NEON) Intervention MIR Publications

Recovery and Mental Health health direct

Recovery Model of Mental Illness: A Complementary Approach to Psychiatric Care NIH

Recovery From Severe Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review of Service User and Informal Caregiver Perspectives NIH

Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Practice: A Social Work Perspective JSTOR

Recovery Strategy Enabling people with their recovery and wellbeing PDF Download NHS

Self-Management Strategies in Recovery From Mood and Anxiety Disorders Sage Journals

Serious Mental Illness Recovery: The Basics NAMI

Strategies Aimed at Optimizing Mental Recovery from Training and Occupational Performance NSCA / National Strength and Condition Association

STEPS – leaders in mental health research, innovation and best practice Steps Group Australia

The Journey of Loss Mental Health and Motivation

The Recovery Model in Mental Health Care Verywell Mind

Translating mental health recovery guidelines into recovery-oriented innovations: A strategy combining implementation teams and a facilitated planning process ScienceDirect

Your Mental Health Recovery Plan Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Young people's recovery processes from Mental Health problems – A Scoping Review The Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health

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