Family members' reactions are exceptionally important. Unlike the others, they are likely to have shared their relative's pain and endured a roller-coaster history of raised and dashed hopes. Because they have high emotion vested in the awakening, family members must be vigilant not to impose their own self protective skepticism or fears of disappointment. They must transmit positive reinforcement and encouragement, as well as practical help for the life changes accompanying the renewed competence of their loved one. And yes, as always, the family has to be there to pick up the pieces if there are setbacks, and show faith in their relative's ability to overcome and transcend any further obstacles to attaining wellness.
Miraculous awakenings are few and far between.
Yet I see all around me people in the consumer movement who seem to have awakened over time from involuntary commitments and hospitalizations. Most were finally stabilized on medications that worked for them. There is similar heterogeneity among persons, even those with the same diagnoses, who utilize our mental health system as inpatients, outpatients, clients, residents, or members. People are different and their experiences of mental illness are different. In recent years there has been an attempt to define the concept of recovery, to explore its process and subjective meaning.