Recovery Model in Mental Health Services
What are the implications of a recovery model for mental health services and for service users/survivors?
In discussing the implications of a recovery model on service users/survivors and mental health services, it is essential to define recovery. In illustrating the controversial nature of this concept it is pragmatic to discuss service users and workers in mental health because implications of the recovery model affect both, but in different ways. It is important to realize there is a division in the focus of each group; service users generally want independence from services while health care providers focus on methods and models (Bonney & Stickley, 2008). In working together both groups can improve the provision of recovery services.
Traditionally, rehabilitation is provided within hospitals and is medically based and determined by professionals (Unit 21, pg 67). Alternatively, ‘recovery‘ defined in service user literature is the powerful idea that people can return to a full life following experiences of mental distress (Unit 21, pg 59; Mental Health Foundation, 2009). Anthony (1993, cited in Unit 21, pg 62) notes that recovery enables people to understand their problems and allows them to cope with setbacks. This implies hope and being believed in by others so is a social model. Jan Wallcraft notes most mental health literature neglects the idea of recovery (Audio 4). Additionally, John Hopton (Audio 4) believes it is important recovery is defined by the person experiencing distress rather than professionals. The role of professionals within recovery based services is an issue necessitating redefinition of roles (Unit 21, pg 67).
Although the recovery model outlined is positive, the concept is not without detractors. Recovery implies getting over 'illness', but it doesn’t necessarily imply illness; rather it entails a process in line with recuperating from physical exercise. Nonetheless, according to the illness viewpoint, mental distress is seemingly
In discussing the implications of a recovery model on service users/survivors and mental health services, it is essential to define recovery. In illustrating the controversial nature of this concept it is pragmatic to discuss service users and workers in mental health because implications of the recovery model affect both, but in different ways. It is important to realize there is a division in the focus of each group; service users generally want independence from services while health care providers focus on methods and models (Bonney & Stickley, 2008). In working together both groups can improve the provision of recovery services.
Traditionally, rehabilitation is provided within hospitals and is medically based and determined by professionals (Unit 21, pg 67). Alternatively, ‘recovery‘ defined in service user literature is the powerful idea that people can return to a full life following experiences of mental distress (Unit 21, pg 59; Mental Health Foundation, 2009). Anthony (1993, cited in Unit 21, pg 62) notes that recovery enables people to understand their problems and allows them to cope with setbacks. This implies hope and being believed in by others so is a social model. Jan Wallcraft notes most mental health literature neglects the idea of recovery (Audio 4). Additionally, John Hopton (Audio 4) believes it is important recovery is defined by the person experiencing distress rather than professionals. The role of professionals within recovery based services is an issue necessitating redefinition of roles (Unit 21, pg 67).
Although the recovery model outlined is positive, the concept is not without detractors. Recovery implies getting over 'illness', but it doesn’t necessarily imply illness; rather it entails a process in line with recuperating from physical exercise. Nonetheless, according to the illness viewpoint, mental distress is seemingly
References: Bonney, S. and Stickley, T. (2008). Recovery and mental health: a review of the British Literature. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 15, 140–153. Browne, G., Hemsley, M. and St. John, W. (2008). Consumer perspectives on recovery: a focus on housing following discharge from hospital. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 17, 402–209. Lindow, V. (2000). 'What we want from community psychiatric nurses ' in Speaking Our Minds (Read, J. and Reynolds, J. Eds). Milton Keynes: The Open University. Medical News Today (2009). Schizophrenia does not increase risk of violent crime. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151269.php Accessed 1st June 2009. Mental Health Foundation (2009). Recovery. http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/mental-health-a-z/recovery/ Accessed 29th May 2009. Open University (2004a). K272 Challenging Ideas in Mental Health, Unit 2 'A Holistic Approach: Hilary 's Story '. Milton Keynes: The Open University. Open University (2004b). K272 Challenging Ideas in Mental Health, Unit 21 'Recovery in Mental Health '. Milton Keynes: The Open University. Open University (2004c). K272 Challenging Ideas in Mental Health, Audio 4, Track 2: Reflecting on recovery. Milton Keynes: The Open University. Williams, A. (2004). 'The strain of feeling better ' in K272 Challenging Ideas in Mental Health, Module 4, Reading 32. Milton Keynes: The Open University, pp. 45–48.