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FAQs

What does ‘recovery’ mean?

Personal ‘recovery’ is defined as ‘being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life with or without the presence of mental health issues.’

Recovery is about the whole of your life, not just your symptoms. It involves:

• finding hope, being OK with yourself
• being able to bounce back when things get tough
• having a sense of purpose and meaning in your life
• making and keeping friends
• building healthy relationships with people in your community
• being able to manage your life.
• finding a new normal
• getting back to life

It is acknowledged that recovery is personal and means different things to different people.

Your recovery will be driven and designed by you with the support from the mental health service and we will work together in developing your recovery plan.

What is a ‘recovery plan’?

A mental health recovery plan is a plan designed by you to help you

• work out what sort of life you want to lead
• work out what you can do to get there
• find solutions to your challenges to recovery
• keep track of changes in your mental health
• identify and manage things that might make your mental state worse (‘triggers’)

For example, you might decide you want to live on your own, find a part-time job, or re-connect with your family. Together with your supports, you can work out how best to get what you want, and how to get help along the way. Our Mental Health Program staff here at Eastern health are all trained in the Collaborative Recovery Model which aims to support people with their recovery planning.

How long does recovery take?

The majority of people who are diagnosed with a mental illness recover, but it can be difficult to predict how long it will take as this is a very individual process and will naturally vary for different people. The recovery plan will help you identify how you are progressing in your goals for recovery.

How do I get help with my recovery?

Eastern Health Mental Health Service offers help for people when they are finding it challenging to manage their own safety and/or the safety of those around them when their mental health is not so good. Once you are beginning to master your safety again our staff can help you to continue your recovery journey by connecting you with other supports and services to suit your individual needs.

An important source of support in your recovery is through family and friends, and rebuilding and keeping connections with your community groups.

Finding a good GP who can be on the recovery journey with you is important and helps to make sure someone is always there for you.