A New Approach to Mental Illness: The Concept ofRecovery

Mental illnesses have long been surrounded by stigma and negative perceptions

across Europe. Historically, these disorders were often considered incurable, a

perspective influenced by figures such as Emil Kraepelin. However, this grim view is changing. Today, a notable transformation in the representations and social practices regarding mental disorders is underway, largely thanks to the emergence of the concept of recovery.

Traditionally, the management of mental disorders was dominated by psychiatry,

seen as the sole authority on the matter. But since the 2000s, this dynamic has been evolving. User associations have played a key role in influencing patient rights legislation and promoting equal opportunities in several European countries. The recognition of psychiatric disabilities, for instance, has been a major advancement, highlighting that the obstacles faced by people with mental disorders in their daily lives are often more limiting than the disorders themselves.

The concept of recovery, introduced by patients in North America in the 1980s, has revolutionized the understanding of mental health. Unlike healing, recovery does not mean the elimination of symptoms, but rather a process of personal transformation. It involves accepting one's limitations while discovering new possibilities. According to W. Anthony, recovery is "a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills, and/or roles." This approach is primarily subjective, centred on hope, autonomy, and self-rediscovery.

Mutual Aid Groups, present in various European countries, exemplify this change.

These spaces, managed by users themselves, help break isolation, strengthen social bonds, and redefine self-perception. They facilitate recovery and contribute to the destigmatization of mental disorders.

Moreover, the role of peer support workers and patient experts is increasingly recognized across Europe. These individuals, who have undergone the recovery process, share their experiential knowledge, providing valuable support to other patients. Their integration into healthcare teams and the training of psychiatry professionals enrich care practices.

Recovery has become a cornerstone of mental health policies in many European

countries, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon world. However, it is crucial not to turn it

into a rigid norm. Recovery must remain a personal choice, supported by a favourable social and medical environment.

In conclusion, the new approach to mental illness in Europe, centred on recovery,

marks a significant advancement. It recognizes the complexity of mental disorders and values each individual's potential to reinvent themselves, to regain a satisfying and meaningful life, despite the limitations imposed by illness. This humanistic and dynamic perspective helps change how society perceives and treats mental disorders, offering a more inclusive and optimistic view of mental health.