Mental Health Minnesota 800.862.1799 Who We Are What We Do Find Support Public Policy Learn More Get Involved News & Events Donate Mental Health Recovery Home › Learn More › Mental Health Recovery One in every five adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health condition in any given year. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness for the first time, have a diagnosis of a mental illness, or are recovering from a mental illness, you are not alone. Mental illnesses are treatable and help is available. Many people recover from mental illnesses and live full and meaningful lives. What is recovery? Recovery means something different for each person who has experienced living with a mental health condition. For some people, recovery means that their symptoms have disappeared, while for others, it means that they are able to effectively manage their symptoms using different strategies, skills, supports, coping mechanisms, or medications. SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” SAMSHA has determined four guiding principles that support a life in recovery: Health, Home, Community, and Purpose. Read more about SAMHSA’s guiding principles of recovery. Want to see what recovery looks like in action? Read and watch these inspiring stories of recovery shared by people who have experienced living with a mental illness: Rosemary’s Story “I have genuinely felt like there was nothing to come of life. Two years later, after starting my whole mental health journey, I fully can say it gets better.” Watch here Samantha’s Story “Mental health is a part of our overall health as a person and we really need to make sure we’re addressing that.” Watch here Chari’s Story “Be grateful for everything that you have. I can’t stress that enough. It makes a difference.” Watch here Erika’s Story “So what I did that’s helped is become diligent about my well-being.” Watch here Kjerstin’s Story “I’ve accepted that all of my feelings are a normal part of the human experience. There are no good feelings and there are no bad feelings.” Watch here Michelle’s Story “Relax, you got this.” Watch here Gwen’s Story “You’re not alone in this – there are people that care about you.” Watch here Diana’s Story “Look for the positive if you can. Grieve if you need to. Get angry, get mad, if you need to, but don’t stay there.” Watch here Mary Grace’s Story “Just take small steps, make the day go by, and work at it.” Watch here Johnny’s Story “I would like to see a lot more loving compassion for one another.” Watch here Amy’s Story “I am looking for what is next in life right now.” Read more here Galen’s Story “I hope that in some small way this has helped someone.” Read more here Bonnie’s Story “I’m leading a fulfilled life right now.” Read more here Liz’s Story “I never knew I could choose the course of my life. This opened up new doors for me.” Read more here Don’s Story “I feel I am a role model in America.” Read more here Shoshana’s Story “I am truly trying to pursue my place… With the rest of the human race.” Read more here Patrick’s Story “Because when a human being shows compassion, the feeling of love and understanding will melt away depression.” Read more here Mary’s Story “If I can overcome the obstacles in my life, anyone can.” Read more here Denise’s Story “Recovery to me is about setting goals and pursuing dreams, even if they seem impossible or out of reach.” Read more here K. Hope’s Story “I love myself. I accept myself. There is nothing I can’t do.” Read more here Sheila’s Story “I have learned that life is a true test of character, and if I work to reach my dreams, life gets easier and becomes very rewarding.” Read more here Monty’s Story “Anything that would enhance your life and desire to live would be considered recovering.” Read more here Laura’s Story “What does recovery mean to me? Well, to be honest, first and most important, it means that I am alive.” Read more here Brian’s Story “Understanding and accepting my illness was the first step toward my recovery.” Read more here Judge’s Story “If you take steps toward your own recovery, you have the chance to be a survivor.” Read more here Dan’s Story “I believe my experience could help others, especially men understand that mental health issues could be happening to them, and seeking out help is okay.” Read more here Anonymous (1) Story “Acceptance is not passive, it is a bold and intentional act.” Read more here Maryanne’s Story “I feel more even and motivated. I am now chasing my dream of being an actor, I’ve started to get into voiceover, and I’m starting up a production company.” Read more here Katy’s Story “I needed to wake the hell up and get in control of my life.” Read more here Greg’s Story “My recipe to living a successful life with a mental illness; therapy, medication, exercise, God.” Read more here Tisha’s Story “Your mind and body are so fascinating! To think I am able to create a life within me is astounding! But sometimes, there are things out of our control. The good thing is that there are people who want to help.” Read more here Stacey’s Story “My hope for the future is that I am of service to as many people as I’m able to reach, to inspire them with my story, and share the many tools I’ve learned over the years to stay mentally healthy.” Read more here Jamie’s Story “We all want to heal. And it’s possible. It’s your story; your recovery. And you can’t recovery wrong. That’s not a thing.” Read more here Jacob’s Story “I know what it’s like to live with and without anxiety. I know you can too.” Read more here Sara’s Story “I am going to make a difference, someway and somehow. I have a fire burning in my soul and it can’t be contained.” Read more here George’s Story “I now openly acknowledge that my mental illness is simply a part of who I am. I accept it, but will no longer define myself by it.” Read more here Zak’s Story “Life is like poker, nobody chooses the cards we are dealt but the way we play the hand is our choice.” Read more here Anyssa’s Story “My hope for the future is to keep on growing, to keep on bettering myself and to never stop, to never give up on myself.” Read more here Lauren’s Story “But I believe I’ve been through the worst and am on the other side. I survived. And now I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to live a happy life, and I wouldn’t give that up for anything.” Read more here Kristen’s Story “Mental illness will always be a part of me that I have to manage, but it’s my choice if I let it define me.” Read more here Jessie’s Story “I used to think I was too messed up to help others. I realize now that my life experiences make me well prepared to understand others and support them through their struggles.” Read more here Samantha’s Story “Most importantly, I have come to believe in the phrase “it gets better”. I used to hate when people said that to me, as I am sure a lot of people who struggle do. But I now realize why people say that.” Read more here Josie’s Story “I am a fighter now and my story won’t ever be over.” Read more here Heather’s Story “My mental illness is the very reason why I am about to graduate with a 4 year degree, can now say I live independently without any assistance or services, and I am happy with who I am.” Read more here Frank’s Story “My words of testimony are: Never Lose Hope; Never Quit Caring; and Believe In Yourself.” Read more here Interested in sharing your own story of recovery? Visit our Share Your Story page to learn more. Learn More B4 Stage 4 Common Mental Health Diagnoses Mental Health and the Workplace Mental Health and Young Adults Mental Health Minnesota Resource Library Mental Health Recovery Request a Presentation Request Materials Donate Our programs depend on the generosity of our donors. Mental Health Minnesota | 651.493.6634 or 800.862.1799 info@mentalhealthmn.org | 2233 University Ave W, Suite 200 | St. Paul MN 55114