Introduction: page 2
A Vision of Recovery
by New York State Consumers, Survivors, Patients & Ex-Patients

If we are to truly change the culture of mental health services in New York State,

▪ the rules outlined in this White Paper must be infused in OMH's evidence-based practices initiative,

▪ as well as any and all mental health initiatives delivered through local governments, and provider agencies.

These rules are, in essence, a call to arms for providers and consumer/survivors to

1. break down the barriers that have existed for so long between us, and

2. build relationships that promote individuals as whole persons, looking beyond illness towards a new world of hope and wellness.

There are guiding principles, philosophies and beliefs based on scientific and anecdotal evidence that promote recovery, but there is no cookie cutter model that will do it all.

If The White Paper rules are implemented, we believe they will bring each one of us closer to the goals of

▪ independence,
▪ self-determination, and
▪ personhood.

It brings the stigmatized, powerless, discriminated individual into parity with the community; and into full partnership with mental health service providers.

The relationship that exists between

◊ a person who uses mental health services, and

◊ a service provider, is at the heart of the rules set forth in The White Paper.

As you read further in our document, you will begin to recognize an underlying theme that emphasizes--

the
 power of listening.

It will be made apparent that those of us with a mental health diagnosis gain--

1. invaluable hope, and

2. self-determination

through knowing that we are being listened to, and that-

● our thoughts

● and feelings

are being--

1. validated, and

2. respected.

It is the essence of  listening that begins the  process of  recovery.

Then, it is built upon  through trust, relationships, and  interdependence between the  individual, the professional, and   the community.

Since we believe that it is up to  each individual to either solely,  or  in partnership with trusted  others, decide how to  participate  in recovery, this  White Paper is not examining  "what" recovery is.

Rather, we chose to  focus on "how" to help a  person find, and walk, his  or her personal  recovery  path.

It must be recognized
that  there is
a process to  recovery.
It is completely personalized for every  individual.

There are guiding principles,  philosophies, and beliefs, based  on  scientific and anecdotal  evidence,  that promote  recovery;  but there is no cookie  cutter model that will do it all.

It is our hope that
The White  Paper
will help one  understand  how to support  someone on their path to  recovery

by the laying out of  some simple rules
 recommended by
those of us  who have
first-hand  experience with

the mental  health system.

to Rule # 1