Welcome to Consumer and Family Online Services!
For as long as there has been mental illness there has been recovery. For years it was not widely understood. Even so, this is an exciting time for everyone who cares about his or her mental well-being and that of a loved one. People in recovery now have new tools to shape and advance their personal recovery.
The state of Maryland has become a national leader in moving toward a recovery-oriented system of care. Together, we are improving the chance for people to live full and productive lives in their own communities. They are able to do this by overcoming mental illnesses once thought to be incurable.
This Web site is a source of information for consumers and families. It is for everyone interested in mental well-being and recovery. We invite you to explore the recovery and resilience resources:
- Achieve Solutions®
- consumers and family contacts
- upcoming local and statewide events
- trainings
- the consumer and family handbook (coming soon)
Recovery Defined
Recovery refers to the process in which persons are able to live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that having hope plays an integral role in an individual’s recovery.
- The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health
Recovery Lived
Every day we meet or know people in recovery from mental illness. They may include members of our families, co-workers or neighbors. They may be attending mental health programs, our places of worship, schools or favorite restaurants. They may be visiting wellness and recovery centers. We may be in recovery ourselves.
Resilience
The word "resilience" describes the ability of an object to resume its previous shape after being hit or damaged. In the context of mental health, "resilience" refers to the capacity of people to succeed and thrive, despite experiencing poverty, neglect and/or trauma. "Resilience" can apply to children, youth and adults. Resilient people are able to succeed because they have "protective factors" that help them survive the adversity. Protective factors come from many things – they can be inherent qualities the individual possesses, such as optimism, self-confidence or a strong faith. Protective factors can also come from outside, such as the support of loving family, special friends or caring professionals. Through programs that serve children, youth and adults, ValueOptions® works to enhance and build protective factors in the people we serve. For information on building resilience click here.