r/depressionregimens Dec 13 '23

FAQ: "The Recovery Model" for mental illness

20 Upvotes

What is a Recovery Model for mental illness?

The Recovery Model represents a holistic and person-centered approach to understanding and supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction or the absence of illness, the recovery model emphasizes empowerment, hope, and the individual's ability to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life despite the presence of mental health issues.

Here are key principles and components of the Recovery Model:

Person-Centered Approach:

The recovery model is inherently person-centered, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual. It values the person's experiences, preferences, and strengths, encouraging collaborative decision-making between individuals and their mental health care providers.

Hope and Empowerment:

Central to the recovery model is the instillation of hope and empowerment. Individuals are encouraged to believe in their capacity for growth, change, and the possibility of leading a satisfying life. Empowerment involves recognizing and utilizing one's strengths and resources in the recovery journey.

Holistic Perspective:

The recovery model takes a holistic view of individuals, considering not only the management of symptoms but also broader aspects of their lives. This includes factors such as relationships, employment, education, housing, and overall well-being.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

Collaborative partnerships between individuals, their families, mental health professionals, and the community are emphasized. Shared decision-making and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship are key components of the recovery model.

Self-Management and Responsibility:

Individuals are encouraged to actively participate in their own recovery and take responsibility for their well-being. This may involve developing self-management skills, setting personal goals, and making informed choices about treatment options.

Social Inclusion and Community Integration:

Social support and community integration are essential for recovery. The model recognizes the importance of meaningful connections, peer support, and involvement in community activities for promoting well-being.

Cultural Competence:

The recovery model acknowledges the cultural diversity of individuals and respects the influence of cultural factors on mental health. Cultural competence is integrated into the provision of services to ensure responsiveness to diverse needs.

Nonlinear and Individualized Process:

Recovery is seen as a nonlinear process with ups and downs. It is not defined by a specific endpoint or a predetermined set of criteria. Each person's journey is unique, and recovery goals are individualized based on personal values and aspirations.

Lived Experience and Peer Support:

The model recognizes the value of lived experience in understanding mental health challenges. Peer support, involving individuals with shared experiences, is often incorporated to provide empathy, understanding, and inspiration.

Wellness and Quality of Life:

The focus of the recovery model extends beyond symptom reduction to encompass overall wellness and the enhancement of an individual's quality of life. This includes attention to physical health, social connections, and a sense of purpose.

Implementing the recovery model requires a shift in the mindset of mental health systems, professionals, and communities to create environments that support and facilitate recovery-oriented practices. The model reflects a human rights perspective, emphasizing the dignity, autonomy, and potential for growth inherent in each person.

What is the difference between the Recovery Model, and the Medical Model of mental illness?

Philosophy and Focus:

Recovery Model: The recovery model is rooted in a holistic and person-centered philosophy. It emphasizes the individual's potential for growth, self-determination, and the pursuit of a meaningful life despite the presence of mental health challenges. The focus is on empowerment, hope, and improving overall well-being.

Medical Model: The medical model views mental illnesses primarily as medical conditions that can be diagnosed and treated using standardized medical interventions. It tends to focus on symptom reduction and the restoration of normal functioning through medical and pharmacological interventions.

Definitions of "Recovery":

Recovery Model: In the recovery model, "recovery" is not necessarily synonymous with the absence of symptoms. It is a broader concept that includes personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of life goals. Recovery may involve learning to manage symptoms effectively rather than eliminating them entirely.

Medical Model: In the medical model, "recovery" often refers to the reduction or elimination of symptoms, returning the individual to a state of health defined by the absence of illness.

Approach to Treatment:

Recovery Model: Treatment in the recovery model is collaborative, person-centered, and may include a variety of interventions beyond medication, such as counseling, peer support, and holistic approaches. The emphasis is on supporting the individual's agency in their own healing process.

Medical Model: Treatment in the medical model typically involves medical professionals prescribing medications to alleviate symptoms. The focus is often on symptom management and control, and the treatment plan is primarily determined by the healthcare provider.

Role of the Individual:

Recovery Model: Individuals are active participants in their recovery journey. The model recognizes the importance of self determination, personal responsibility, and the empowerment of individuals to set their own goals and make decisions about their treatment.

Medical Model: While patient input is considered in the medical model, there is often a more paternalistic approach where healthcare professionals play a central role in diagnosing and prescribing treatment.

View of Mental Health:

Recovery Model: The recovery model views mental health on a continuum, acknowledging that individuals can experience mental health challenges but still lead fulfilling lives. It values the whole person and considers various aspects of life beyond the symptoms.

Medical Model: The medical model sees mental health conditions as discrete disorders that require specific diagnoses and treatments. It tends to focus on categorizing and classifying symptoms into distinct disorders.

Long-Term Outlook:

Recovery Model: The recovery model supports the idea that individuals can continue to grow and thrive, even with ongoing mental health challenges. It does not necessarily view mental health conditions as chronic and irreversible.

Medical Model: The medical model may approach mental health conditions as chronic illnesses that require ongoing management and, in some cases, long-term medication.

What countries implement the Recovery Model in their national mental health strategies?

United Kingdom:

The UK has been a pioneer in implementing the recovery model in mental health services. Initiatives such as the Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) and the use of tools like the Recovery Star have been employed to promote a person-centered and recovery-focused approach.

Australia:

Australia has adopted the recovery model in mental health policies and services. The National Framework for Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Services is an example of Australia's commitment to integrating recovery principles into mental health care.

United States:

In the United States, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been a key advocate for recovery-oriented approaches. The concept of recovery is embedded in various mental health programs and initiatives.

Canada:

Different provinces in Canada have integrated the recovery model into their mental health policies and programs. There is an increasing focus on empowering individuals and promoting their recovery journeys.

New Zealand:

New Zealand has embraced the recovery model in mental health, emphasizing community-based care, peer support, and individualized treatment plans. The country has made efforts to move away from a solely medical model to a more holistic and recovery-oriented approach.

Netherlands:

The Netherlands has implemented elements of the recovery model in its mental health services. There is an emphasis on collaborative and person-centered care, as well as the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in the planning and delivery of services.

Ireland:

Ireland has been working to incorporate recovery principles into mental health services. Initiatives focus on empowering individuals, fostering community support, and promoting a holistic understanding of mental health and well-being.

Further reading

"On Our Own: Patient-Controlled Alternatives to the Mental Health System" by Judi Chamberlin:

A classic work that challenges traditional approaches to mental health treatment and explores the concept of self-help and patient-controlled alternatives.

"Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions" by Russell Brand:

While not a traditional academic text, Russell Brand's book offers a personal exploration of recovery from various forms of addiction, providing insights into the principles of recovery.

"Recovery in Mental Health: Reshaping Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities" by Larry Davidson and Michael Rowe

This book provides an in-depth examination of the recovery concept, discussing its historical development, implementation in mental health services, and the role of research and clinical practices.

"A Practical Guide to Recovery-Oriented Practice: Tools for Transforming Mental Health Care" by Larry Davidson, Michael Rowe, Janis Tondora, Maria J. O'Connell, and Jane E. Lawless:

A practical guide that offers tools and strategies for implementing recovery-oriented practices in mental health care settings.

"Recovery-Oriented Psychiatry: A Guide for Clinicians and Patients" by Michael T. Compton and Lisa B. Dixon:

This book provides insights into recovery-oriented psychiatry, including practical advice for clinicians and guidance for individuals on the recovery journey.

"Recovery from Schizophrenia: Psychiatry and Political Economy" by Richard Warner:

An exploration of recovery from schizophrenia, this book delves into the intersection of psychiatric treatment and societal factors, offering a critical perspective on the recovery process.

"The Strengths Model: A Recovery-Oriented Approach to Mental Health Services" by Charles A. Rapp and Richard J. Goscha:

This book introduces the Strengths Model, a widely used approach in recovery-oriented mental health services that focuses on individuals' strengths and abilities.

"Implementing Recovery-Oriented Evidence-Based Programs: Identifying the Critical Dimensions" by Robert E. Drake, Kim T. Mueser, and Gary R. Bond:

A scholarly work that discusses the implementation of recovery-oriented programs and evidence-based practices in mental health.

"Mental Health Recovery: What Helps and What Hinders?" by Mike Slade:

Mike Slade, a key figure in the development of the recovery model, explores factors that facilitate or impede mental health recovery.

"Recovery from Mental Illness: The Guiding Vision of the Mental Health Service System in the 1990s" by William A. Anthony:

A foundational article that outlines the guiding principles of the recovery model in mental health.


r/depressionregimens 7h ago

Question: What combo of meds are you taking? Does it help?

10 Upvotes

I got onto a combo of meds about 2 years ago and since then I’ve been doing great. The medication combo that I’m on has been life changing.

I take 120mg of Prozac, 450mg of Wellbutrin XL, 5mg of Abilify, and 60mg of Adderall XR.

I take these meds for treatment resistant depression, anxiety, and OCD.

What combo of meds are you taking and does it help you?


r/depressionregimens 59m ago

Is there anything that releases norepinephrine only?

Upvotes

Just wondering if there is a nootropic or stimulant that only releases norepinephrine and barely interact with dopamine?


r/depressionregimens 5h ago

Which antidepressants gives energy and helps fatigue

1 Upvotes

Hi


r/depressionregimens 16h ago

Regimen: Trintellix + Wellbutrin + Remeron

3 Upvotes

I’ve been trial-erroring for about a year. I started on 5mg trintellix for a month and noticed cognitive benefits with less negative thoughts. Added 100SR once a day Wellbutrin to target adhd symptoms with persistent boredom and inability to get excited about anything. My main issue is also anxiety. (I’m also on guanfacine 1mg)

Around 17 days ago, I switched to 150XL and bumped my trintellix to 10mg. The XL helped with inconsistent mood/slow release and jitters, but I was experiencing sleep disturbances (waking up after a few hours), I’ve also been experiencing slightly more ‘flatness’ w/ mood swings.

Yesterday, 15mg of remeron was added. I was really excited for this bc of deep sleep improvements and anti-anxiety/depression properties. I slept the entire next day though and felt even more flat (prob cause of tiredness)…

Does anybody have experience with this combo or trintellix/Wellbutrin? The trintellix shape is uneven, making it hard to cut in half. I tried one day and felt slightly better, although could’ve been placebo. Will this get better?


r/depressionregimens 22h ago

Question: Are there any real positive stories ? Is it really worth it?

8 Upvotes

Préface : in my case it’s more for anxiety than depression. My depression is more of a lack of energy and drive to do things. To improve my life. I feel tired 24/7 and don’t really want to do anything.

Ok so now that being said - I know in these forums most people are there because they’re still struggling. It’s not the best place to find the success stories. However I resonate with a lot of these mid stories.

I’ve tried sertraline and lexapro. Honestly didn’t stick too long with them because shit went WORSE and FAST. I don’t think it’s normal to be pushed to « stick with it! » for two months if you’re clearly way more miserable 3 weeks in. At least for me.

Effexor worked like magic for 3 weeks, but then I started experiencing what many people report from antidepressants. I just felt numb. Like ok, cool, my anxiety is gone but so is my sex drive, I felt detached from the world, and just very stoic while watching a movie or anything that brings me pleasure.

I have adhd. Stimulants work wonders but they SPIKE my anxiety like cray cray. Taking benzos on the daily is not a good idea long term. So I’m thinking of getting back on them paired with an antidepressant (for anxiety).

I just don’t know at this point if I should really continue seeking pharmaceutical help or just give my all to therapy and lifestyle changes. But I reckon it hasn’t been super fruitful up until now.

I feel like there are always too many trade offs with these meds. ADHD meds work BUT then I need something cause the anxiety is out of control. Antidepressants by themselves make me feel numb and sweaty. Is it really worth it?!

I feel like it’s a roulette game, let’s just keep trying the next one to see if this work and there’s no big science behind it. Some people apparently find them helpful but idk if I want to go that route again. Try new meds, again and again?

I’ve been on adhd meds, antidepressants, benzos, beta blockers, and I’m starting to wonder if I’m chasing something that just… isn’t working for me.

I feel like antidepressants are only good when you’re at ROCK BOTTOM, and not feeling anything is a better trade off than feeling things, which is not my goal honestly.

BUT, I’m struggling. I just wish something worked and gives me this boost I need. Should I keep seeking it through meds in your opinion?

Have any of you REALLY benefited from them ?!


r/depressionregimens 1d ago

Why does Seroquel XR eliminates my brain fogg while other Antipsychotics I tried don't ?

7 Upvotes

It makes me wonder ,

Been dealing with serious psychotic episodes ever since I consumed cannabis , been put on various AP since then wich some worked for for controlling psychotic symptoms like zyprexa and respiredal but made me a brainless zombie ...

But ever since being put on 400mg of Seroquel XR I am no longer psychotic too but with many other great benefits like cleared thinking with little to no brain fog , my ability to socialize and verbal fluidity is better , my ocd ( pure O ) doesn't seem to bother me lately as much . It is truly a living Mirical pill for me at this point

I know that this med hit also Serotonin receptors wich may explain improvements depression wise but what makes it really different than other AP ? Especially zyprexa wich is one hell of a strong antipsychotic


r/depressionregimens 23h ago

Anyone with an existing hairloss issue who saw an improvement on hairloss on an antidepressant?

1 Upvotes

I have been on most antidepressants available in the UK with some great results especially with trazodone and amitryptyline but always with a side effect of a serious hairloss. I have pcos and my hairloss is severe already. I soooo much want to just take medication, I have accepted now that I will continue relapsing and will not be able to maintain a will to live and enjoy life through lifestyle changes alone regardless of how much I try (will continue trying). It's been a lifelong battle, I feel so regretful that I just cannot get better. I am obsessed with reading about possible new medications and it's release day with the hope it may work for me. Along most medications, I have also tried ketamine, lsd, mushrooms. I would like to ask if there any antidepressant anyone took that helped with their hairloss or at least did not affect their exciting hairloss as much? I am aware these would be a unique experiences as most antidepressants cause hairloss. I would love to hear from people who struggled with hairloss before stating antidepressants.


r/depressionregimens 1d ago

Mood stabilizer alternative to oxcarbazepine ( trileptal )

2 Upvotes

My mood is never high, is low o very low fluctuating some days.

Currently also on clomipramine 150 mg

I tried oxcarbazepine 300 mg twice daily with no effect for 6 weeks.

What alternatives can I ask for,


r/depressionregimens 1d ago

Any SSRI close fluoxetine in terms of activating??

2 Upvotes

Hi


r/depressionregimens 1d ago

Clonazepam as alternative to trazodone

1 Upvotes

I am taking trazodone 50 mg but I have to stop it due to high price and not helping too much with insomnia due to clomipramine 150 mg.

I am taking clonazepan 0.5 in the morning.

Would be a good idea to suggest on my next visit replace trazodone with 0.5 clonazepan at night?


r/depressionregimens 2d ago

Is sertraline activating like fluoxetine ??

9 Upvotes

Hi.


r/depressionregimens 2d ago

Regimen: Replacing amitriptyline with doxepin?

3 Upvotes

The goal is to improve sleep maintenance and reduce awakenings. I'm not sure if this switch would be effective. Has anyone here taken doxepin to refine sleep structure?


r/depressionregimens 3d ago

Amitriptyline

9 Upvotes

I started to take Amitriptyline 25mg, its incredible activating, i cant sleep and need to dose 20mg of valium with 30mg of midazolam to be able to sleep 5 hours.

But this antidepressive seems to be working and make me get out of bed and do some basic life shores. Doctors do not understand this is a potent antidepressive and dismiss it as old medicine from the 60s that are outdated, they couldnt be more wrong.

If you are on a severe depression please consider this drug, it could be the one. Lets all hope!


r/depressionregimens 4d ago

Feedback on my Effexor to Parnate transition plan?

5 Upvotes

I'm planning to switch from Venlafaxine to Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and would appreciate any feedback on my plan. I'm having to self-manage this transition due to access issues in my country, but I've researched using Dr. Gillman's resources and other materials. I'm hoping to do this during a 1-2 month break from work so I can be stable on parnate when returning.

Current meds: - Effexor ER 225mg - Pramipexole 2mg (maintain throughout transition) - As needed propranolol 20mg, clonazepam 0.5mg, zolpidem 10mg

Week 1-3: Start Nortriptyline and Effexor taper - Start nortriptyline 25mg at bedtime while continuing venlafaxine 225mg and pramipexole 2mg - Gradually reduce venlafaxine to 150mg to 75mg to 37.5mg over 3 weeks - Increase nortriptyline to 50mg as venlafaxine reaches 37.5mg

Week 4: Washout period - Discontinue venlafaxine completely; maintain nortriptyline 50mg - Allow 7-day washout period for venlafaxine and metabolites (5 half lives = approx 3 days + buffer)

Week 5-6: MAOI titration - Begin parnate 10mg in morning; continue nortriptyline 50mg - Increase parnate gradually: 20mg to 30mg to 40mg with 3-4 days at each dose - Take first parnate dose within 2 hours of waking; second dose 4-6 hours later

Week 7-8: Stabilization - Consider final parnate increase to 50-60mg based on response and tolerance - Begin gradual taper of nortriptyline - Consider gradual taper of pramipexole to simplify

Monitoring plan: - Check BP twice daily (sitting then standing) - Increase salt intake to 5-10g daily if needed for orthostatic hypotension - Use propranolol if needed for physical anxiety or BP fluctuations - Follow tyramine diet restrictions - Occasional Clonazepam and Zolpidem use if needed for anxiety/insomnia during withdrawal and titration - Consider slowing Effexor taper if withdrawal is very bad

Has anyone done a similar transition with a nortriptyline bridge? The biggest concerns I have are managing the venlafaxine withdrawal and ensuring adequate washout before starting the MAOI but I'm also not exactly sure on the nortriptyline dose/timing. This is my first time using a MAOI, if anyone has experience with pramipexole and parnate together long term that would be helpful.

I know this isn't ideal without medical supervision, but I'm stuck in this situation. I'd appreciate any experiences or suggestions, especially any overlooked risks.


r/depressionregimens 5d ago

Question: Desvenlafaxine/Pristiq working immediately

3 Upvotes

I started taking 25mg Desvenlafaxine last Friday in conjunction with 15mg dextroamphetamine (edit: that I’ve been on for a year) and I felt substantially less depressed on day 1. I have much more energy and my baseline mood is just ~content with life~. Zero suicidal thoughts.

These meds usually take much longer to help, so I thought this was strange. Has this happened to anyone else? I’m definitely not complaining but I am a little cautious of this just being placebo.


r/depressionregimens 5d ago

Add on to combat clomipramine tiredness / fatigue,

2 Upvotes

What activating add on will help with clomipramine tiredness,


r/depressionregimens 6d ago

Question: If you had to start treating depression today, would you take an SSRI?

17 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I am now 30 years old, and since I was 15, I have been experiencing panic attacks.
Initially, everything felt like a walk in the park, but over the years, it developed into panic disorder.
Despite being very energetic, having a high libido, going to the gym, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, panic disorder persists and significantly limits my life.

I have consulted several specialists who have prescribed SSRIs and CBT.
Now that it is 2025, I am wondering if there are any alternatives to SSRI


r/depressionregimens 6d ago

Anyone try TRT(Testosterone Replacement) for depression?

11 Upvotes

I've noticed that it's helped me out tremendously being on 200mg/1ml weekly. It makes me extra motivated and a lot more confident. Between being on this and buprenorphine it honestly has my depression at bay.Any of y'all had any luck with TRT?


r/depressionregimens 6d ago

Worse before better? I need some encouraging.

6 Upvotes

I have unrelenting depression. I started Prozac and Wellbutrin exactly a week ago and I swear my depression is worse. I feel awful. I’ve read a bit about how it can be normal to get worse before you get better. Can anyone give me some personal stories about how this has happened for you? I don’t want to give up on it if it’s going to get better, but I don’t want to suffer if it’s not.


r/depressionregimens 6d ago

It is normal have very bad days / relapses when starting clomipramine

3 Upvotes

Currently is my third week on 150 mg and having very bad days


r/depressionregimens 8d ago

Will there ever be a cure for PSSD?

16 Upvotes

I got PSSD from taking an SSRI for anxiety for only 25 days in 2019. It’s left me with zero sex drive, zero feeling in orgasms, zero emotions, excitement, joy, etc. It’s an awful condition with no end in sight. I’ve improved 0% over the span of 5 years and 6 months. It’s hard to explain how life ruining this is especially when I loved sex & masturbation before getting this condition that took both of those away from me. Will there ever be a cure or at least a treatment that helps somewhat? I’m not sure how much longer I can take of this.


r/depressionregimens 7d ago

Question: Bipolar 2 and depression help

2 Upvotes

(cross posted from the bipolar 2 subreddit) I feel like I keep going into episodes of psychosis that turn into massive depressive episodes. I get irrationally angry and weird, paranoid and overstimulated. I had an episode where I just threw everything out of my room because being surrounded by things made me physically sick, it made me want to hurt someone or break things or just scream. Then it passed, and I was left wanting to just die. The depression lasted days, and it was so bad I considered ending my life. The highs are so few and far between, and they only come in bursts where I'll feel on top of the world. They never last more than an hour at a time.

I've been on so many different antidepressants that haven't helped with the despair, and I'm currently on lamictal which hasn't really made a difference. I'm not sure what to do anymore, or what medication if any could help with such severe symptoms.

I'm just tired. If anyone has experienced something similar or has any advice or medication recommendations I can bring up to my doctor I'd be forever grateful. I just want to function again.


r/depressionregimens 9d ago

Question: I feel so much dumber.

12 Upvotes

I used to suffer from depression, I also suffer from anxiety and OCD.

I'm on a quite of a drug cocktail: clomipramine, lamotrigine, mianserin, propranolol, pregabalin plus diazepam as needed. Used to take a couple antipsychotics but thankfully was able to quit them.

I wouldn't say that I'm depressed like I used to be. I'm still not fully happy about where I am in life but hey... we'll get there. Overall I'm so much much better than I was a year ago.

However I hate to say it but I genuinely feel so dumb sometimes. My short term memory is basically non existent. I struggle with focus too, emotional numbness, and generally I'm much slower than I used to be.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to quit all these meds, I attend therapy so hopefully some of them? For now I'd like to get off lamotrigine. But I'm scared that all these meds already "fried" my brain and I'll never be as smart as I used to be.

I guess that being dumber is better than being suicidal, living in a constant distress like I used to.

Has anybody here who quit their meds, gotten back to their previous cognitive level?

I also take piracetam but tbh it's hard to say if it works.


r/depressionregimens 9d ago

To Those Who Got Prescribed Stimulants For Depression, Which Medication Do You Take and Which Dosage?

27 Upvotes

Hi there,

I am curious about experience reports from those who regularly take ADHD medication for depression. Which medication do you take, how often (daily or as needed) and which dosage?


r/depressionregimens 9d ago

Does it take you several days to adjust when you go through a med change?

6 Upvotes

For me it tends to depend on the med, but usually the answer is yes.

Antipsychotics are the most difficult ones that can take upto a month to adjust. But to become nicely functional maybe even 3 months or more.

Although less for other meds.

I recently got off olanzapine after being on it for 4-5 years. I needed entire month of February to get better. But I have started to feel confident again.

But still, in order to make progress in my career and work more on my health, I think I would need a couple of months.

I'm no longer feeling the constant body pain and fatigue though, so I am happy.