When I began this journey with ROSES, I accelerated my education about mental health. I have been heartened to discover that resources abound once you know where to look. Mental health education ranges from well-being for everyone to recovery for people living with specific mental health challenges.
Most importantly, the more conversations I have with people about mental health, the more I discover the prevalence of mental health challenges is higher than I previously understood and too many people feel alone in their mental health journeys. For these people and for you, I share the message “you are not alone.” This is the title of an amazing book and reference guide from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) written by Dr. Ken Duckworth. The book draws lessons from real-life experiences, the latest research, and domain experts.
One of the most captivating concepts for me was WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), co-developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD in 1997, to help people recovering from mental health conditions create their own structured program. Copeland describes five essentials for recovery:
Have hope
Take responsibility for your health and wellness
Educate yourself
Advocate for yourself
Have a strong system of support
These steps remind you that you are not alone and that the journey includes rest stops and fueling stations.
Copeland goes on to describe how individuals can develop WRAP for themselves.
Develop a Wellness Toolbox: List of activities, resources, and strategies that help maintain wellness (e.g., exercise, talking to friends, hobbies).
Daily Maintenance Plan: Identify daily routines and activities that keep one feeling well.
Identify Triggers: Recognize external events or circumstances that may lead to distress, and develop an action plan to manage them.
Early Warning Signs: Detect subtle signs that things are not going well, and outline proactive responses to prevent escalation.
When Things Are Breaking Down: Plan for signs that things are getting worse, and establish clear actions to take to avoid a crisis.
Crisis Plan: Create a plan for others to follow if an individual cannot take care of themselves, including who to contact and preferred interventions.
Post-Crisis Plan: Develop steps for recovery and returning to wellness after a crisis.
My journey with ROSES has revealed the importance and availability of mental health education. Understanding and addressing mental health challenges is a collective effort, and tools like the WRAP provide an empowering path of recovery. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; you can navigate the ups and downs of mental health with resilience and confidence. Let us continue to foster open conversations and support one another, ensuring that everyone knows they have a community.
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