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. The book provides an alternative way of looking at ‘mental illness’ and demonstrates many unexplored avenues and paths to recovery that need to be considered.
Key Features
- Research Insights: Challenges traditional views on mental health recovery.
- Narrative Approach: Presents detailed recovery stories of 26 individuals involved in a mutual help group known as ‘GROW’.
- Holistic Perspective: Discusses the importance of friendship, social involvement, compassion, and nurturing processes of change in recovery.
- Audience: Relevant for researchers, academics, service providers, policymakers, and peer support organisations.
Additional Information
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. The narratives of recovery within the book should also be a source of hope to people struggling with ‘mental illness’ and emotional distress.
