Towards recovery in mental health

Abstract

The aim of this article is to address the fundamental findings of the scientific literature regarding recovery in mental health, covering its definition, some of the models that conceptualize it, different instruments to measure it and the key principles for incorporating recovery into mental health services. In the discussion, recovery is proposed as a paradigm shift; it is an evolution in the very understanding of the nature of mental disorders that goes beyond illness or the overcoming of symptoms. Recovery should be a support point for the growth and enrichment of the help to be provided to people who suffer from a mental health problem. The development of recovery-based mental health services is an opportunity, it can mark the path of where we are heading, although this would imply a profound change at many levels. However, for this it is necessary that the key values are integrated in users, families and caregivers, managers, promoters, politicians, etc., and to be able to work in a multidisciplinary way under this paradigm.