Paving the Road to Mental Health Recovery

Abstract

In this poignant, insightful, and timely commentary by Larry Davidson and his colleagues, the authors profile individuals who suggest that it would be useful to have a “map” to guide them back from mental illnesses to a normal life. “Map” is a wonderful metaphor for the journey of mental health recovery—a journey of healing and transformation that enables individuals with mental health problems to live in communities of their choice while striving to achieve their full potential. We know there are a number of fundamental barriers on this journey, including poverty, widespread unemployment, and inequitable distribution of health care resources. For individuals with the most serious disorders, loss of health, home, livelihood, and sense of self are all too common. Yet we also know that human beings are amazingly resilient. As Davidson and colleagues note, “Despite their suffering and losses, these were people who continued to dream of better days, who still had aspirations for their future lives, and who still were interested in putting in the effort and taking the risks to rebuild a new life upon the ruins of the old.” We owe it to these individuals, whose indomitable spirit has much to teach us, to understand what mental health recovery is, how we can support recovery, and what recovery means for our human experience. In all of these areas, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stands ready to help. We are promoting prevention, changing practice, and fostering recovery.