The World Health Organisation’s definition of recovery:
“For many people recovery is about regaining control of their identity and life, having hope for their life, and living a life that has meaning for them whether that be through work, relationships, spirituality, community engagement or some or all of these" (World Health Organisation, 2021, p.5).
The origins of the recovery movement have its genesis in the civil rights movement in the USA mid last century, manifesting as push back against what was perceived as a purely clinical model of care that overlooked the person and their multi-dimensional needs. The recognition of spirituality as an important component of mental health recovery was arguably born around this time.
The language of recovery and the language of spiritual care both speak of hope, meaning, purpose, connection, identity, meaningful engagement, and both engage in the metaphor of life as a rich, evolving, and purposeful journey.
Further reading on recovery can be found at the following links: