This new definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA (together with a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields) to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders, along with major guiding principles that support the recovery definition.

“Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that a practical, comprehensive working definition of recovery would enable policy makers, providers, and others to better design, deliver, and measure integrated and holistic services to those in need,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. ”By working with all elements of the behavioral health community and others to develop this definition, I believe SAMHSA has achieved a significant milestone in promoting greater public awareness and appreciation for the importance of recovery, and widespread support for the services that can make it a reality for millions of Americans.”

For more information, visit the SAMHSA website at www.samhsa.gov or click here to view the news release online.

There are many other things to consider when talking about mental illness:

• Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or background
• Mental illness is not caused by poor decisions or bad habits
• Mental illness affects a person’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, much like heart disease or diabetes
• The stigma associated with mental illness is one of the biggest barriers to recovery; if we want to be a truly healthy society, we need to break the stigma and treat mental illness like any other medical condition

People with mental illness can recover or manage their conditions and go on to lead happy, healthy and productive lives. Oftentimes, they can benefit from medication, rehabilitation, psychotherapy, group therapy, self-help, or a combination of these treatment options.

Therefore, if you have a friend or loved one with mental illness, or if you have a mental illness yourself, keep in mind that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.

Information provided by What a Difference a Friend Makes, an initiative launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Various factors either contribute to or challenge our ability to look after ourselves, some of which include:   how aware we are of our thoughts and/or feelings, how well we know ourselves, the nature of our home/work environment, financial situation, and the current state of our relationship with important people in our lives.

If you’re constantly feeling exhausted, swamped with work and responsibilities, or emotionally flat and uninterested in the world around you, your mental health may be suffering.

Information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW, Inc.

Essentials for Good Mental Health Wellness:

• Friendship
• Hobbies
• Humor
• Meditation
• Nutrition
• Pets
• Physical Activity
• Reading
• Resiliency
• Sleeping
• Spirituality
• Time to Yourself

Yoga:

• What is Yoga?
• Top 10 Reasons to try Yoga

For more information about Mental Health Wellness Week, visit www.mhww.org.