8. Why does the Recovery method insist on sharing experience in the four- step format only?

The simple method provides a clear, structured, and brief format. Before this method was introduced, meetings held in a non-structured fashion were not fruitful. In such a flexible form discussion was often dominated by a few members. Focus was on their problems and suffering. Another major risk is going off the track. The four-step method ensures that participants briefly narrate the disturbing event and then proceed to share success stories. Thus, the four-step structure has positive impact.

The Recovery method offers techniques to help manage a wide variety of problems such as anger, stress, anxiety, depression, exaggerated fears, compulsions, obsessions, phobias, etc. Members learn how to observe and cope with nervous symptoms such as palpitation, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, headache, numbness, chest pressure, and lack of sleep.

Members learn specific strategies for coping with the stress and strain of everyday life. There are no hopeless cases. Recovery does not deal directly with past problems or analyse the causes of problems. Simple day-to-day experiences, as they arise are dealt with. This has a beautiful utility. You see, it is these small trivial issues, when not dealt with at the very moment that build up over a time. They start forming layer over layer and end up as a huge problem which we describe as anger, fear etc. The Recovery method encourages you to deal with these issues then and there.

This does happen sometime. Generally to avoid embarrassment, we do not ask a member the reason. His freedom of choice is respected. We want to create a free and secure environment. Many times the member himself confesses he regrets that he missed the last meeting!

This depends on the person, the nature and severity of his condition. The goal is for members to attend until they learn the Method well enough to function independently and efficiently. It takes more than a few weeks to master new skills and change old habits. After you have achieved mastery over the method, you may still choose to attend the meetings for purposes like socialization, support, endorsement, friendship and to motivate new comers.

As one starts using the Recovery stress management tools on a daily basis, one begins to experience improvement. But, the extent and quality of improvement will vary from person to person. Only understanding the method is not enough, its application in daily life is what is more important.

No. It is solely the doctor’s prerogative whether to increase, reduce or stop medication after assessing the progress being made by his patient.

It is advised that one continues to see his/her professional. Group members, who are lay persons, do not diagnose illnesses or symptoms. When ones not sure if a symptom is caused from tension, strain or a physical ailment, it is necessary one sees a doctor for diagnosis.

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.

None has experienced it so far. In the non-judgmental and empathetic atmosphere of our group meetings, the need for a professional is unlikely to be felt. It is possible that the user is already in touch with his doctor or counsellor. Further it is not that professionals never visit our SHSG. They lecture or guide, once in a while, at our invitation.