• HOME
• ABOUT
• SERVICES
• TRAINING
• RESOURCES
• CONTACT

Formally known as 'Pathway's to Wellbeing', Journeys to Wellbeing believes in communities where people who have a lived experience of mental distress are valued and are able to participate and contribute fully. Read more.

A normal part of human experience, by Sarah Porter

Journeys To Wellbeing applauds Sarah Porter for her wise insightful words. This one statement in Te Hononga 2015 has been and still is a constant inspiration.

 

"By 2015, the idea that mental illness is a disease much like diabetes or cancer will be recognised as flawed and lacking evidence. There will be a different set of ideas about what mental illness is and what mental health is. Medication will be recognised as causing significant harm as well as providing significant relief in some cases. Some medications commonly in use today may be unavailable by 2015 as the health risks they pose become better recognised.

 

"The idea of mental illness being a disease will give way to a more holistic view of mental distress being a normal part of the human experience. This change will enable people to better understand and support people in their communities.

 

"Huge progress made at the beginning of this century means we have learned that the key characteristics of recovery are hope, a sense of belonging, self-determination and a sense of meaning or purpose.

 

"As this knowledge becomes more widespread and better understood, the fear and prejudice that have caused so many problems in the past will give way to understanding and recognition by 2015 that mental distress is a normal albeit painful part of the human experience; that with support and understanding people can move through this experience, becoming wiser and more compassionate as a result.

 

"By 2015, services will be integrated, led and

 

delivered where possible by people who themselves have experience of mental distress and are able to role model hope, self-determination and purpose to others going through these difficult experiences.

 

"This approach will provide increased hope to people experiencing mental health issues and their families. It will enable them to maintain important social connections and build hope for a positive future where they regain full functioning and can take an active role in their communities. In turn, they will be able to help others develop and implement strategies to improve and maintain mental well-being and positive relationships with the community and their loved ones."

 

Te Hononga 2015