What is Recovery?

Believing you can and will recover from any illness is important. Depression is very treatable, and people have always got better from depression.

People often talk about recovery from depression as getting to a point where you are able to get on with life to the best of your ability and not feel like your illness is controlling what you do or when you do it.

Recovery does not necessarily mean cure. It’s different for each person:

For one person it may mean being able to visit the corner shop on their own.
For another it might mean no longer needing any treatment, or the use of antidepressants.
For someone else it might mean being able to sleep at night.
For another it might mean working 35 hours a week and having a busy social life.

And your goals may change over time. At the point of feeling low you might think that being able to get up in the morning before noon would mean that you are coping better. Once you have achieved this, you might decide that you can recover further and aim to get a voluntary or paid job, or start a course. It is also possible to be able to resume your old life, like going back to work, but to continue getting counselling, attending a self-help group or taking medication.

The attitudes of others can also make a negative or positive impact on your recovery. Being accepted and supported by family and friends, employers, teachers and the wider community will also be an important part of getting better and staying well.

The really important thing about recovery is to accept that you will have good days and bad days. Or maybe good weeks and bad weeks. Hopefully over time the good outlast the bad, but be kind to yourself and don’t push yourself too hard too fast, and don’t beat yourself up if it is taking longer than you had thought it would. It will happen, but you’ve got to just take it one day at a time.

Useful web site

The Scottish Recovery Network, www.scottishrecovery.net, has information on how to promote and support recovery from long-term mental health problems.

Brought to you by Depression Alliance Scotland.
About Us | Can you really say 'crap'? | Funders | Contact Us

What is Recovery?
Believing you can and will recover from any illness is important. Depression is very treatable, and people have always got better from depression. People often talk about recovery from depression as getting to a point where you are able to get on with life to the best of your ability and not feel like your illness is controlling what you do or when you do it. Recovery does not necessarily mean cure. It’s different for each person: For one person it may mean being able to visit the corner shop on their own. For another it might mean no longer needing any treatment, or the use of antidepressants. For someone else it might mean being able to sleep at night. For another it might mean working 35 hours a week and having a busy social life. And your goals may change over time. At the point of feeling low you might think that being able to get up in the morning before noon would mean that you are coping better. Once you have achieved this, you might decide that you can recover further and aim to get a voluntary or paid job, or start a course. It is also possible to be able to resume your old life, like going back to work, but to continue getting counselling, attending a self-help group or taking medication. The attitudes of others can also make a negative or positive impact on your recovery. Being accepted and supported by family and friends, employers, teachers and the wider community will also be an important part of getting better and staying well. The really important thing about recovery is to accept that you will have good days and bad days. Or maybe good weeks and bad weeks. Hopefully over time the good outlast the bad, but be kind to yourself and don’t push yourself too hard too fast, and don’t beat yourself up if it is taking longer than you had thought it would. It will happen, but you’ve got to just take it one day at a time.	Useful web site The Scottish Recovery Network, www.scottishrecovery.net, has information on how to promote and support recovery from long-term mental health problems.
Brought to you by Depression Alliance Scotland. About Us \| Can you really say 'crap'? \| Funders \| Contact Us
Copyright: DAS, 2008; Last updated: 17/6/08