The holiday season is a time of not only joy but also sharing and generosity. Over the next two weeks, the Douglas Institute will post video clips of people who, out of a desire to help others, talk about their mental health problems and their personal recovery journey.

Douglas Institute researcher Myra Piat, PhD, came up with the idea for the Recovery Stories video series, as she has been interested in the issue of recovery in mental health for many years. "As researchers, we strive to discover what promotes or impedes recovery; an excellent way to gather data is to let people tell their own stories. Stories are powerful!"

Through a series of video clips, participants of all ages and backgrounds speak openly about their mental health problems and what they did to recover and live more meaningful lives.

Project coordinator and participant Janina Komaroff is in recovery from schizophrenia and alcohol dependence: "The key factors for me were building a strong social network and listening to people who experienced the same problems as I did and who got through them."

Recovery is not the same as a clinical cure; it is rather a process that consists of creating a life for oneself despite disease, just as people who suffer from chronic diseases such diabetes or asthma do. "It is a way of living a satisfying and useful life that leaves room for hope despite the limitations imposed by the illness," explained Myra Piat.

Every day from December 12 to 22, a new testimonial will be posted on the Douglas Web site. Visit our home page to hear the stories of Diane, Paul, Pierre, Daphnée or Youssef. For more information, consult the fact sheet on recovery posted with the videos.

Information

Kevin Bilodeau
Media Relations, Communications Department
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Phone: 514-761-6131, extension 3674
kevin_dot_bilodeau_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca