Component

Person In Recovery:  To me, recovery means.

Being supported by others

·         having people I can count on.

·         being loved and accepted as I am.

·         having people in my life who believe in me even when I don't believe in myself.

·         having something to give back.

·         feeling like a worthwhile human being.

·         being able to help others when they need me. 

Renewing hope and commitment

·         having a reason to get out of bed.

·         having a sense my life can get better.

·         being able to tackle every day.

·         realizing that there is more to life than mental illness.

·         feeling good about the future.

·         being determined to live well and take care of myself.

·         believing I can manage my life and reach my goals.

·         having dreams again.

·         having people I can count on.

Finding your niche in the community

·         getting involved in stuff I enjoy, e.g., attending church, volunteering, dating, taking classes, playing sports, visiting friends, attending support groups. 

·         having nice places to hang out with my friends.

·         having a routine I enjoy.

·         making new friends.

·         catching up with old friends.

·         filling my day with stuff I like.

Redefining self

·         person with strengths and resources.

·         knowing my illness is only a small part of who I am.

·         not allowing "label" or a diagnosis to take control my life.

·         exploring life outside the mental health system.

·         learning what I have to offer.

·         proving wrong the people who said I'd never do anything with my life

Incorporating illness

·         knowing when I need to ask for help.

·         not feeling defeated.

·         dealing with setbacks.

·         avoiding the things that make me feel bad.

·         knowing how to take care of myself in good times and in bad.

·         accepting that there are some things that I can't do yet.

·         being proud of the things I can do.

·         taking one day at a time.

Overcoming stigma

·         feeling good about myself.

·         learning ways to overcome the negative attitudes of others.

·         finding places in the community where I feel at home.

·         not feeling ashamed about having a mental illness.

·         being proud of myself.

·         having role models.

·         not letting people put limits on me.

·         knowing when I am being discriminated against.

·         standing up for myself when I have been mistreated.

·         not buying into the stereotypes of mental illness.

·         realizing that other people have problems too. 

·         knowing when I deserve better and demanding it.

·         being willing to share my story and not hide my recovery

Assuming control

·         knowing when, and how, to voice my opinion.

·         having control over my life and treatment.

·         taking risks and trying new things.

·         accepting the consequences and learning from my mistakes when things don't work out as planned.

·         being able to appreciate some else's view and reach a compromise.

·         telling people what I want and need from them. 

·         meeting commitments and being proud of it

·         not taking "no" for an answer!

Managing symptoms

·         learning how my illness affects me.

·         asking questions when I don't understand something.

·         having ways to cope and be good to myself.

·         controlling my symptoms so that they don't get in the way of my life.

·         understanding what medication can, and can not, do for me. 

·         finding other tools to help me in my recovery.

·          knowing when to ask for help.

·         taking time to relax.

·         giving myself some slack.

·         giving myself and others permission to be human.

Becoming an empowered citizen

·         feeling like I have choices.

·         choosing where I live and how I spend my time.

·         voicing my opinion.

·         giving back and sharing my experiences with other people working toward recovery.

·         being a responsible citizen, e.g., by voting, volunteering, working, paying taxes, managing my own money, keeping up with my bills, etc.

·         having other people respect me.

·         being a responsible parent, a caring friend, or a good neighbor. 

·         making a difference in my community.

·         taking responsibility for my recovery.