• Recovery is about taking back control over ones life:

Mental Health problems are often presented and perceived as uncontrollable, or their control is seen as the province of experts. Recovery involves a person taking back control.

Over the years I have learned different ways of helping my self. Sometimes I use medications, therapy, self-help and mutual support groups, friends, ­ my relationship with God, work, exercise, spending time in , nature. All of these measures help me remain whole and healthy, even though I have a disability. (Deegan 1993)

 

• Recovery is not a linear process:

The recovery process is... a series of small beginnings and very small' steps. At times our course is erratic and we falter, slide back, re-group ,­ and start again ... (Deegan 1988)

 

• Relapse is not 'failure; but a part of the recovery process:

I have found that although my symptoms may seem... worse , relapsing ­ is not the same thing as having a breakdown'... rather I m breaking out or breaking through,…   out of some fear filled place where I have been trapped... through to new ways of trusting people and myself..

It means I am growing breaking out of old fears and into new worlds - learning to make friends and keep them, to trust people, and to love people. (Deegan 1993)

 

• Everyone's recovery journey is different and deeply personal. There are no rules of recovery, no formula for 'success':

Everyone's journey of recovery is unique. Each of us must find our own way and no-one can do it for us. (Deegan 1993)

Once recovery becomes systematised, you've got it wrong. Once it is reduced to a set of principles it is wrong. It is a unique and individualised process. (Deegan 1999)