Annual
Evidence-Based Practice Illinois Conference,
which was sponsored by the Illinois Department
of Human Services Division of Mental Health
(DHS). This two-day seminar was loaded with
information about implementing and sustaining
evidence-based practices for Recovery,
Resilience and Hope. There were many speakers
reporting on the latest research on recovery and
how we must continue the movement towards
recovery.
Practices that have been used
and are supported by evidence include Supported
Employment, Family Psychoeducation, Permanent
Supported Housing, Assertive Community
Treatment, Illness Management and Recovery, and
Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment. These
programs have been studied and research shows a
positive correlation with recovery for a person
with a mental illness. Unfortunately, not
everyone has access to these programs mainly due
to funding and knowledge of the services.
However, DHS has adopted a
program created by Mary Ellen Copeland named
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). A DHS
program called Recovery Support Services works
with the WRAP program. People are trained to be
Recovery Support Specialists and one of their
roles is to assist people in developing
individual WRAP plans. This will encourage each
person to take a role in his/her journey to
recovery and maintain good health.
A WRAP can help a person
navigate the process of recovery, stay healthy,
deal with challenging times and reach individual
goals. The WRAP is individualized for each
person and is his/her guide to maintaining
recovery from day to day. The WRAP is not a
substitute for medical care, but complements it.
Each part of a WRAP should include
identification of signs and developing a plan on
coping with the issues. The components of WRAP
are:
1. Key Concepts of Recovery
Hope
Personal Responsibility
Support
Education
Self-Advocacy
Spirituality
2. Wellness Toolbox
Includes an individualized
list of coping skills that a person can use
to maintain wellness or assist in helping
him/herself feel better. Included is:
Adequate sleep
Journaling
Talking to a support
person
Exercise
3. Daily Maintenance Plan
A description of a person at
his/her best. This helps the person to be
focused on wellness and includes skills to
help him/her stay the best he/she can be on
a daily basis.
4. Triggers
This is a list of things
that may affect a person’s wellness if
he/she does not use skills from the wellness
toolbox when they occur.
5. Early Warning Signs
Individualized internal
thoughts and feeling that a person can
recognize that his/her health may be
compromised.
6. Signs That Things are
Breaking Down
Signs that a person is
having difficulties that can be recognized
by other people.
However, the person still
has capability to help him/herself.
7. Crisis Planning
Plan that has been developed
by a person while in recovery that can be
used by other people if assistance is
needed.
8. Post Crisis Planning
Activities a person will use
after the crisis has subsided to assist in
moving towards recovery.
WRAP is an avenue that all
people may use for healthy self-care. It is
voluntary and guided by self-determination. This
allows people to be in control of their care and
make decisions to remain healthy. Remember,
recovery is possible and you should expect it.
For more information on the
Recovery Services from the State of Illinois go
to:
Richmond, Raymond Lloyd. (2009).
Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
