title: The role of self-determination in mental health recovery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This contribution describes a personal recovery journey and highlights the importance of growth and renewal of self-determination as a critical part of recovery from mental health challenges.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Five factors that foster the development of self-determination are highlighted and include access to information about treatment and rehabilitation options and resources, support from trusted others, exposure to mentors or coaches who have the lived experience of mental health challenges, willingness to experiment with various interventions and recovery strategies, and opportunities to be engaged in personally meaningful activities such as work, parenting, or teaching.
  
  
  METHODS
  Personal life experiences are shared and resource information is provided as a guide for readers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Attention to these factors that foster self-determination by service users, peers, clinicians, teachers, and loved ones may help cultivate self-determination and contribute to the process of recovery.
authors.forename: Cynthia Ann
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Piltch
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation / Q000523:psychology*