"Simply to be let in": inclusion as a basis for recovery.
This article takes its inspiration from a poem by Borges, in which the author makes a plea to simply be "let in" without being wondered at or required to succeed. Based on the view that these issues have applied historically to people with mental illnesses--first during the period of the asylum, and now more recently as a result of deinstitutionalization--this article argues for the adoption of a broad conceptual framework of inclusion that, based on a disability paradigm, neither alienates or requires people to succeed. First, the ways in which such a framework augments existing approaches to treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery are outlined. Next, the authors describe the three elements of friendship, reciprocity, and hopefulness as aspects of inclusion that may provide a foundation for efforts toward recovery, and illustrate each of these elements through the stories of participants in a supported socialization program. Implications for future research and policy are suggested based on these data.
Davidson
L
L
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Larry.Davidson@Yale.edu
Stayner
D A
DA
Nickou
C
C
Styron
T H
TH
Rowe
M
M
Chinman
M L
ML
D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008282:Mainstreaming, Education; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational