The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has developed a definition of recovery.

Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Health: overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way;

Home: a stable and safe place to live;

Purpose: meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income and resources to participate in society; and

Community: relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

A 2006 study showed that people who have severe mental illness have, on average, a much shorter lifespan than the general population. Your physical health is important; remember to practice good self-care and see your doctor regularly. If you do not have a doctor, talk to your therapist or case manager about getting one.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed a web site called Questions are the Answer to give you suggestions for how to get the most from your doctor appointment. 

Get Involved

MHASD encourages consumers and their friends and families to get involved in oversight of the mental health and addiction systems of care by serving on one of the county's advisory committees (CMHSAC, AMHSAAC, and QMC) or participating in focus groups MHASD periodically holds.

Multnomah County will issue a request for proposal (RFP) for crisis services later this year. As part of our planning we are asking for input on crisis services. If you would like to give us suggestions or feedback please fill out this survey. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. We appreciate hearing your input about this important community resource.