Recovery from mental health disorders takes time, similar to people recovering from substance use disorders. Once a person admits they need professional help, they often ask, “What are the 5 stages of mental health recovery?” Each stage is a crucial stepping stone on the path to recovery and improved mental health and well-being.

Stage 1: Awareness and Beginning Treatment

The first of the mental health recovery stages is becoming aware of needing help with mental health concerns. This often occurs when someone’s symptoms have worsened to the point they are now affecting their daily routines and responsibilities.

Another important part of Stage 1 is starting treatment. There are different comprehensive treatment options to fit with the severity of the person’s mental health symptoms. These programs could include inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient.

As treatment begins, a licensed psychiatrist conducts a thorough evaluation. The psychiatrist asks about symptoms, family and medical histories, and other issues. They also inquire if there is co-occurring substance use. Using this information, the psychiatrist works with the individual to create a personalized treatment program.

Stage 2: Learning and Understanding More About Mental Health Conditions

The second of the 5 stages of mental health recovery is learning more about mental health conditions. There are numerous mental health disorders, each with their own symptoms. Part of the learning process is uncovering the underlying causes related to the person’s condition. Gaining a better understanding of these through research helps the person to start to heal and recover.

Stage 3: Committing to Change and Acceptance

By Stage 3, it is vital the person accept their mental health condition and be committed to making changes. This is accomplished using various evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. These help a person change negative thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and learn relaxation techniques.

Stage 4: Recreating Meaning and Purpose

The fourth stage is where the person starts applying what they have learned in treatment to their daily life. Part of this process is developing a new-found sense of purpose and meaning.

This can be accomplished by setting goals, discovering new hobbies, and building a strong peer support network. Additionally, people will learn about personal care and how diet and exercise influence mental well-being.

Stage 5: Feeling Empowered and Choosing Recovery

As someone progresses through the 5 stages of mental health recovery, they eventually reach Stage 5. Once they reach this stage, they should feel empowered and in control of their mental health disorder. Part of this empowerment is recognizing when help and support are needed, setting healthy boundaries, and developing healthy relationships.

Most people at this stage transition to aftercare support, where they continue to receive ongoing therapy and peer support. By choosing recovery, they continue to work on their mental health using the tools, skills, and techniques learned in treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Progress Through the 5 Stages of Mental Health Recovery?

Progressing through the 5 stages of mental health recovery is a personal journey. Each person is unique and has their own symptoms and issues they must work through. It is vital to remember completing the 5 stages is not a race. One should work through each stage at their own pace. Once they feel confident, then they should move on to the next stage.

It is also acceptable to move to a previous stage when there are setbacks. The ultimate goal is to help individuals become confident in their abilities to manage their mental health successfully.

The Importance of the 5 Stages of Mental Health Recovery

The mental health recovery stages include:

Awareness and Beginning Treatment
Learning and Understanding More About Mental Health Conditions
Committing to Change and Acceptance
Recreating Meaning and Purpose
Feeling Empowered and Choosing Recovery

Each of the 5 stages of mental health recovery is not just treatment objectives and goals. They contain various therapies and psychoeducational opportunities for improved mental health. Additionally, they help people become determined and empowered to take care of their mental health successfully. These stages also help people realize when they need support and help through individual and group therapy and support sessions.

Mental Health Facts

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), millions of people are affected by mental health disorders annually.

1 in 5 adults experiences mental health issues annually
1 in 20 adults experiences a severe mental health disorder annually
1 in 6 youths between 6 and 17 experience a mental health disorder annually
Half of mental health disorders begin by age 14
75% of mental health disorders occur by age 24
The number 2 cause of death for 10 to 14-year-olds is suicide related to a mental health disorder

Start Mental Health Treatment in Ohio Today

By acknowledging you need help for your mental health condition, you are on your way to improved mental health. At Ohio Addiction Recovery Center in Columbus, OH, we offer comprehensive mental health treatment programs customized for men and women. Our caring and compassionate team is here to help people realize recovery from mental health disorders is possible.