The term recovery is often confused with the medical understanding of the word, which may mean cure or no current symptoms (clinical recovery). However ‘recovery’ or ‘personal recovery’ in mental health is used to describe the process of being able to create and live a meaningful, contributing life in a community of choice with/without the presence of mental health issues—reclaiming a life beyond mental illness.
Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Services has transitioned to a recovery-orientated service approach which is underpinned by recovery principles. We have embedded recovery principles in all policies, documentation and practices to encourage people to take control and reach their full potential. This includes actively supporting a person to build and maintain a meaningful and satisfying life regardless of whether or not they have ongoing symptoms.
A recovery approach focuses on your individual strengths and active participation in family and community life.
All mental health staff :
- Recognise, value, respect and promote: Hope Self-determination Person-centred Choice Strength– based Citizenship Peer-support Self-responsibility Non-linear recovery
- Utilise best-practice knowledge to focus on strength-based recovery and progress.
- Acknowledge the expertise of the lived experience in developing peer-support roles to inform and shape clinical practice.
- Value, encourage and support self-responsibility for personal safety and positive risk-taking in a way that is developmentally appropriate.
- Acknowledge the expertise of the lived-experience in developing peer-support roles to inform and shape clinical practice
- Encourage and promote individuals to research and access resources to develop and utilise personal recovery tools, goals and plans.
- Encourage, support and promote the social participation of individuals and advocate for their rights of citizenship and freedom from discrimination.
- Promote recovery as a service goal in interactions with individuals, groups and other organisations.
- Recognise the difference between clinical recovery vs. personal recovery and support personal recovery as a priority.
- Utilise a positive, forward thinking approach to clinical decision-making that recognises progress made and potential for growth.
- Contribute to the development of physical and cultural environments that promote hope, optimism and participation.
- Identify and promote strategies to reduce systemic and organisational barriers to recovery that compromise our recovery principles and values.