The long road back.
"The Long Road Back" captures the undulating path of the recovery process from sexual abuse and bipolar disorder in the public mental heath system. It highlights ways the traditional mental health system can help and harm. Even more so. it highlights for the author the importance of involvement in the peer self-help movement. Role modeling, hope, and recovery by fellow recipients of services enabled movement toward life-engaging functions such as volunteerism, school and career possibilities. and a commitment to advocacy on behalf of her peers still in the public mental health system. The peer perspective can especially enhance care. Utilizing peer self-help and carefully listening to the voices of those in the system can make mental health services more responsive to our needs.
Lynch
K
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New York State Office of Mental Health, Western NY Field Office, Buffalo 14213-1298, USA.
D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States