One in every five adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health condition in any given year. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness for the first time, have a diagnosis of a mental illness, or are recovering from a mental illness, you are not alone. Mental illnesses are treatable and help is available. Many people recover from mental illnesses and live full and meaningful lives.
Recovery means something different for each person who has experienced living with a mental health condition. For some people, recovery means that their symptoms have disappeared, while for others, it means that they are able to effectively manage their symptoms using different strategies, skills, supports, coping mechanisms, or medications.
SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) defines recovery as "a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential." SAMSHA has determined four guiding principles that support a life in recovery: Health, Home, Community, and Purpose. Read more about SAMHSA's guiding principles of recovery.
"We all want to heal. And it's possible.
It's your story; your recovery. And you can't recovery wrong.
Interested in sharing your own story of recovery?
Visit our Share Your Story page to learn more.