Did you know? Over 50 million Americans have reported facing mental health struggles in the last year with 55% reporting they did not seek treatment. This May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for better mental health services and resources. For those navigating the challenges of a mental health disorder, taking the first step toward treatment is huge, but it’s also important to understand and celebrate the other milestones of your mental health journey. So what are the 5 stages of mental health recovery? Let’s jump in.

1. Accepting Support

It can be challenging to admit you need help managing your mental health so the first stage of recovery is focused on realizing you want to change and learning to accept support. This stage can look different for everyone. For some people, they may start to recognize the impact their mental health is having on their daily life or relationships, and for others, new or worsening symptoms may push them to seek out additional support. This can be a difficult stage–it may take help from loved ones or an external factor, like a job loss, for some to accept and admit they are struggling. 

2. Educating Yourself

The second stage of mental health recovery is focused on gaining insight into what’s really going on and involves working with a professional to better understand your specific struggles. Mental health, by nature, is deeply personal. During this stage of the process, you’ll not only gain clarity about your mental health, but you will also begin to learn the types of tools and resources that you need to live a healthier, happier life. Your counselor and you will work together to develop the best treatment plan to help get you there. 

3. Taking Action

As you move to the third stage of recovery, you’ll begin implementing the tools you learned in the second stage and taking action to create the changes you want to see in your life. This stage involves taking stock of your life and focusing on the things that promote your mental health recovery. For some, this may involve cutting out drugs or alcohol and for others, this may involve taking a closer look at their personal relationships or living situation. As you move through this transformative stage, your counselor will continue to work with you to navigate the ups and downs that come with significant change and you may start to realize how much treatment has prepared you to better handle life’s daily challenges. 

4. Building the Framework

The truth is that recovery isn’t a linear process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a framework that will give you the coping skills to lead a happy and fulfilling life. In the fourth stage of mental health recovery, you will continue using your recovery tools to take action and reclaim your life, but you will also begin to recognize opportunities to find enjoyment in the process. During this stage, you may discover new hobbies, activities, or responsibilities that bring you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction and allow you to construct the framework of the life you want to be living.

5. Committing to Recovery

Just as recovery isn’t linear, it isn’t a switch you can simply turn on and off. In the last of the 5 stages of mental health recovery, you’ll start to recognize the impact of having the right tools and treatment options. The work you’ve done in your recovery will help you feel better equipped to face whatever challenges come your way and you’ll see the importance of making a commitment to continue the journey. Committing to your mental health recovery is one of the most empowering, positive life changes you can make and though the process may be challenging at times, it’s important to remember, you deserve to feel good and find mental peace.

The Walker Center is proud to offer life-changing, evidence-based mental health treatment services in Twin Falls, Idaho. Visit our contact page to get in touch with a member of our team–the next chapter of your life is just a phone call away.