1. The s of Recovery Carol A. Kivler, MS, CSP © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

2. “Recovery… is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self- directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” - December 2011 definition from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

3. Four Part Harmony: The whole-life model of recovery adopted by SAMHSA identifies four major areas that contribute to success: 1.Health 2.Home 3.Purpose 4.Community © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

4. Accept your illness. Remember: One out of five Americans are impacted by mental health disorders. © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

5. Believe you can remain productive. © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved Remember: During the various stages of your illness, productivity means different things!

6. Commit to your treatment plan. Remember: While committing to a plan can seem exhausting, the alternative is much more exhausting, especially if you find yourself facing a relapse. © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

7. Express your feelings and fears by journaling. Remember: Journaling is a way to heal from the inside out and it can be used to release bottled up emotions and bring life back into perspective. © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

8. Yearn to be your best advocate. Remember: Treat yourself with more kindness and understanding as you embrace your own mental health disorder every day. © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

9. Zero in on taking care of yourself every single day! Remember: For an individual living with a mental health disorder self-care needs to be placed at the top of the “to do” list. © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved

10. Carol Kivler, MS, CSP Mental Health Advocate, Author, Trainer and Speaker Courageous Recovery Raising Awareness – Instilling Hope – Combating Stigma www.CourageousRecovery.com ● 609-882-8988 © Copyright 2012 Courageous Recovery – All Rights Reserved