In Recovery Stories Of Healing From Mental Illness

In Recovery recounts the stories of twelve amazing people who have struggled with mental illness and have come out stronger on the other side. Some participants have been in recovery for years while others are newer to wellness. Each participant defines success in a different way. Lauren is a professional athlete competing at the top of her sport as a member of the Ultimate Fighting Championship league, while Ali has found success in living life on a ranch with her terminally ill husband. Success looks different for everyone and one story does not fit all. This book is meant to inspire people who have or are currently struggling with mental illness. In the midst of mental illness, seeing a light at the end of the tunnel is possible. With this book, readers will learn that hope and recovery are real.

Narratives of Recovery from Mental Illness presents research that challenges the prevailing view that recovery from ‘mental illness’ must take place within the boundaries of traditional mental health services. While Watts and Higgins accept that medical treatment may be a vital start to some people’s recovery, they argue that mental health problems can also be resolved through everyday social interactions, and through peer and community support. Using a narrative approach, this book presents detailed recovery stories of 26 people who received various diagnoses of ‘mental illness’ and were involved in a mutual help group known as ‘GROW’. Drawing on an in-depth analysis of each story, chapters offer new understandings of the journey into mental distress and a progressive entrapment through a combination of events, feelings, thoughts and relationships. The book also discusses the process of ongoing personal liberation and healing which assists recovery, and suggests that friendship, social involvement, compassion, and nurturing processes of change all play key factors in improved mental well-being. This book provides an alternative way of looking at ‘mental illness’ and demonstrates many unexplored avenues and paths to recovery that need to be considered. As such, it will be of interest to researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work and occupational therapy, as well as to service providers, policymakers and peer support organisations. The narratives of recovery within the book should also be a source of hope to people struggling with ‘mental illness’ and emotional distress

A bold, expert, and actionable map for the re-invention of America’s broken mental health care system. “Healing is truly one of the best books ever written about mental illness, and I think I’ve read them all." —Pete Earley, author of Crazy As director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Thomas Insel was giving a presentation when the father of a boy with schizophrenia yelled from the back of the room, “Our house is on fire and you’re telling me about the chemistry of the paint! What are you doing to put out the fire?” Dr. Insel knew in his heart that the answer was not nearly enough. The gargantuan American mental health industry was not healing millions who were desperately in need. He left his position atop the mental health research world to investigate all that was broken—and what a better path to mental health might look like. In the United States, we have treatments that work, but our system fails at every stage to deliver care well. Even before COVID, mental illness was claiming a life every eleven minutes by suicide. Quality of care varies widely, and much of the field lacks accountability. We focus on drug therapies for symptom reduction rather than on plans for long-term recovery. Care is often unaffordable and unavailable, particularly for those who need it most and are homeless or incarcerated. Where was the justice for the millions of Americans suffering from mental illness? Who was helping their families? But Dr. Insel also found that we do have approaches that work, both in the U.S. and globally. Mental illnesses are medical problems, but he discovers that the cures for the crisis are not just medical, but social. This path to healing, built upon what he calls the three Ps (people, place, and purpose), is more straightforward than we might imagine. Dr. Insel offers a comprehensive plan for our failing system and for families trying to discern the way forward. The fruit of a lifetime of expertise and a global quest for answers, Healing is a hopeful, actionable account and achievable vision for us all in this time of mental health crisis.

Inspired Recovery is a compilation of true stories from people who have achieved their life goals while managing bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or depression. Julie Edwards has suffered from mental illness her entire life. The eldest of four children born into a destitute family in outback Australia in 1948, Julie was diagnosed with 'manic depression' at age eighteen. Her experiences include severe symptoms of depression, mania and psychosis; numerous treatments including medication and electroconvulsive therapy; violent physical and emotional abuse through dysfunctional relationships; bereavement and loss, including the tragic death of two husbands; substance abuse; serious physical health issues; attempted suicide; complete breakdown and the development of additional psychiatric disorders. Medical treatment and pharmacology play a major role in the recovery process - but so does the human spirit. Now aged sixty, Edwards describes her life as 'filled with joy'! Though a 'cure' for schizoaffective disorder is not yet known, she has developed a successful strategy to achieve recovery and live a rich, full life. It is her story that has inspired her daughter, Sonya Melbourne, to gather and share these beautiful, true accounts as a message of hope for those who suffer from serious mental illnesses, and those who care about them.

This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States. In this book the author charts the journey of recovery from severe and disabling mental health problems. The book's optimistic tone challenges the prevailing notion that recovery is an outcome open only to a minority. It describes the necessary transformation of mental health services into a recovery culture. At the heart of the book are five recovery stories which are a testament to the indomitable nature of the human spirit that enables us to rise above adversity. It is these themes that mental health professionals must engage with if they are to be guides and companions to people on their recovery journeys. Uses a model of recovery based on the 'hero's journey' Maps a clear pathway to recovery that can be used collaboratively by clients and mental health professionals In-depth exploration of recovery relationships and a recovery culture

A beautiful compilation of essays by women and men who have recovered from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. The book's diverse essays emphasize each writer's journey to recovery, providing hope for individuals suffering with an eating disorder and their loved ones.

Author Robert Jameson was leading a very successful life as a husband, recent PhD graduate, and professional chemist when he first noticed feeling somewhat abnormal. As stresses mounted over time, Robert slowly approached one of the most significant moments in his life. After a stunning and unexpected admission from his sister, Roberts actions began to spiral out of control, culminating in his being diagnosed as bipolar. The struggle with mental illness can be a long and arduous one. Robert describes his journey to wellness, from his collapse to his eventual successful transcendence to health. He describes how his desire to be well and his drive to seek out nontraditional recovery methods eventually led to his success. Following the inspiring tale of his own journey, Robert has detailed a comprehensive self-help guide to recovery. This guide seeks to help those suffering from mental illness or their friends or family interested in helping someone recover.