Psychiatric rehabilitation as a parallel universe

The world of psychiatric, or psychosocial, rehabilitation is very different than the one most of us know. It's a place where people with recurring and serious depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders -- usually referred to as people with psychiatric disabilities -- are encouraged and supported to develop their dreams and follow them. There's very little, if any, stigma in this universe. The emphasis is on personal strengths, not illness.

It's where people with these conditions courageously make choices to get better, in spite of feeling terrible at times. It's where the people who are a part of it make most, if not all, of their best friends. They may learn new skills and get access to resources, employment, support, education, housing, medical services, counseling and more. Depending on the program or range of programs, some or all of the resources will be available.

If the program is a certified clubhouse, the individual can take advantage of all of these benefits or choose fewer. If it's a supported education program, then support for college, high school completion or vocational courses will be available. If it's an employment program, support with vocational rehabilitation funding agencies, job placement and job maintenance will probably be offered.

Psychiatric rehabilitation can mean many things, but for the majority of people who use it, it's a lifeline. This book
on Google Book Search explains a great deal about how it works and for whom. Learn more about the universe populated by people with psychiatric disabilities on this International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation site.

Psychiatric rehabilitation is another world, but it's one that leads thousands of people every year back into meaningful and satisfying lives on planet earth.