Schizophrenia may no doubt last lifelong in some cases, but that doesn’t mean the person needs to suffer lifelong. Just as we learn to live as comfortably as we can with other ailments like diabetes or hypertension there’s nothing much different in case of mental illness. As long as you take necessary treatment and precautions and also strengthen your physical/mental self, there’s nothing stopping you from feeling and being ‘recovered.’
The word ‘recovery’ indicates progress on the path of improvement. A gradual positive change. Hence this word is applicable for a person at any level of his wellbeing. In fact persons who have attended Recovery groups have not only recovered but they also serve as facilitators or motivators. Some members of our groups can be said to be role models.