Hi

In the 70’s when I was in analysis re-“cover”-y meant remembering the past abuses and horrors of my childhood, examining them, coming to new adult wisdom about them, and then re-“covering” these memories with new healthier current life experiences. BUT .. the new “healthier life experiences” were on the wards of psych. hospitals and day hospitals and out patient treatment programs and in a chaotic and fearful outside world. Both have little understanding or patience for a person reentering as a vulnerable and fragile self. In all honesty, even when I entered the world of the client self-help movement I did not find that any less frightening or damaging ..

For me “recovery” has been a very painful and unfinished, day to day struggle. It takes medicine, ongoing therapy, friends, meaningful work, withdrawing for periods of time, keeping-on-keeping-on.

On Tue, 08 Apr 2003 13:48:44 -0400 “Sue Poole” <dpoole@awod.com> writes:

This would be closest to my own view of recovery...to get back a sense of self that is not defined by illness but by abilities and interests and hope for the future. Thanks, Bonnie. Succinctly and well said.

Overall, persons who have responded to my questions experience or desire recovery from the consequences of lost empathetic/sympathetic connection in a larger society and not from any disease per se.

I hope more responses will be forthcoming. “Recovery” is what most mental health systems in most states appear to be promoting, without quite knowing or understanding its components or what it might be to persons actually in need of it. The medical model posits: You need to recover from your symptoms. The client viewpoint, thus far,is more holistic.

I am wondering if we could keep answering the questions about recovery and compile something together that would articulate the concept from a client viewpoint? It might give various grassroots organizations struggling for relevant services some way to present their concerns to line staff and DMH directors, advocacy groups, etc., regarding what is most relevant to them in recovery and support services.

sue

— In no-list@yahoogroups.com, “Bonnie Schell” <Bonniebelle@m...> wrote:

This is based on something I read by Pat Deegan:

an individual’s opportunity for social activities and places to go

is no different than any other citizen.

an individual has paid or volunteer work if they wish to. an individual has a secure roof over his/her head

an individual is no longer bothered by symptoms that monopolize his/her consciousness and days and nights

An individual may or may not take medications, do exercises physical or spiritual.

What is recovered is a sense of self that is not defined by illness, but by abilities and interests and hope for the future.

Bonnie

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.”
   — Albert Einstein