Another DHS Success - Sept. 24, 2019

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Sept. 24, 2019

Iowa Department of Human Services

Another DHS Success

Highlighting the successes of the Iowa Department of Human Services

Family picnic

The Department of Human Services
Supports National Recovery Month

Iowans experiencing mental illness want and deserve to experience recovery and live safe, healthy, successful, self-determined lives in their homes and communities.

Recovery month is a national observance, held every September for the past 30 years, which aims to educate Americans about substance use treatment and mental health services. These treatment options and services can successfully support people with mental and substance use disorders and help them to live healthy and rewarding lives. This observance celebrates the millions of Americans who are experiencing recovery from mental and substance use disorders, affirming that treatment is effective, and that people can and do recover.

People with mental illness experiencing recovery are able to look beyond their mental illness and foster their abilities, interests and dreams. They are getting on with their lives, doing things and developing relationships that give their lives meaning. They may not have full control over their symptoms, but they can have control over their lives.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has identified the following components of recovery:

  • Hope – The most important component of recovery, hope gives the essential and motivating message of a positive future.
  • Respect – Self-acceptance and belief in oneself and the acceptance of family, friends and community are particularly vital.
  • Self-Direction and Empowerment – Exercising authority to determine one's own path of recovery with autonomy, independence and control of their resources.
  • Responsibility – Taking and accepting the obligation for personal care, coping, healing and wellness.
  • Non-Linear – Continual growth, occasional setbacks and learning from experience.
  • Individualized, Person-Centered and Strengths-Based Services – Tailored to the individual’s unique strengths, needs, preferences, experiences and cultural background.
  • Holistic – Encompassing an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit and community, embracing all aspects of life.
  • Peer Support – The support of others with a lived experience of mental illness that is encouraging and engaging.