Still others hoped for the development of a cure. As they rallied around one another, they began to share strategies for staying out of the hospital and moving on with their lives. As time went on, consumers recognized that given a sense of hope, adequate support, personal responsibility and self-management, people with serious mental illness commonly proceed to recover joy, productivity, relationship and meaning in their lives. First person recovery narratives began to be published, and the concept of recovery took hold. These numbers will likely grow as successful recovery tools and strategies become more widely disseminated.
Recovery is certainly one of the most exciting new concepts in the field of mental health.
In 1999, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare sponsored a Recovery Conference, inviting nationally recognized speakers. One of the presenters was Mary Ellen Copeland, a successful author, educator and also a person in recovery. It also monitors triggers, early warning signs and more serious symptoms. In addition, it develops specific and effective response plans to put into place when these problems do occur. Finally, a Crisis Plan is spelled out in the event of a full-blown relapse.