Table 1.
Self-Management Strategies Identified in Participants’ Critical Incidents.
| Recovery Self-Management Strategies |
|---|
| 1. Social |
| 1.1. Surrounding myself with people who make me feel better |
| Getting support from friends, family, and people with a similar illness |
| Engaging in activities with others |
| Choosing the people with whom you can discuss problems |
| Avoiding negative people or unhealthy relationships |
| 1.2. Taking care of others |
| Being easy on family and friends |
| Reassuring family and friends |
| Serving as a role model for friends and family |
| Recognizing the support received |
| Serving others |
| 2. Existential |
| 2.1. Having a positive outlook |
| Taking inspiration from someone who has recovered |
| Using downward social comparison |
| Taking stock of your progress |
| Remembering times of wellness |
| Seeing the illness as an opportunity to make some changes in your life |
| Appreciating positive aspects of your life |
| Reading or posting inspiring thoughts/images |
| Having spiritual beliefs |
| Using humor |
| Setting aside negative thoughts |
| 2.2. Developing a balanced sense of self |
| Recognizing and valuing your strengths/achievements |
| Accepting your limitations/weak points |
| Accepting the illness |
| Distinguishing the illness from your personality |
| Seeing mental illness as equivalent to a physical illness |
| 2.3. Finding meaning |
| Having realistic expectations about recovery |
| Finding a project, a goal, a dream |
| 2.4. Empowering oneself |
| Realizing the efforts required to recover |
| Finding the motivation needed to recover |
| Being more assertive about your needs and expectations |
| 3. Functional |
| 3.1. Creating a routine |
| Following a schedule |
| Performing daily personal care tasks |
| 3.2. Taking action |
| Engaging in pleasant activities |
| Engaging in activities in which you can feel competent |
| Setting yourself small realistic objectives |
| Adopting a significant role in society |
| Respecting your own rhythm as you take action |
| 4. Physical |
| 4.1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle |
| Engaging in sport activities |
| Adopting good sleep patterns |
| Eating well |
| 4.1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (cont.) |
| Reducing your consumption of stimulants |
| Reducing your consumption of drugs and alcohol |
| Stopping smoking |
| 4.2. Managing one’s energy levels |
| Avoiding stimulating or stressful situations |
| Engaging in relaxation/breathing exercises |
| Reducing hours of work |
| 5. Clinical |
| 5.1. Seeking formal professional help |
| Receiving help from a health professional |
| Going to the hospital |
| Receiving help from a mental health organization |
| Receiving an alternative treatment |
| Taking your medication |
| 5.2. Developing a better understanding of your illness |
| Learning about available resources |
| Attending conferences/workshops |
| Finding information on mental illness |
| Investigating the causes of your illness |
| 5.3. Managing daily symptoms |
| Analyzing and changing your thoughts/emotions/behaviors |
| Confronting your fears |
| Gaining some perspective on situations |
| Looking for solutions to a problematic situation |
| 5.4. Preventing relapse |
| Remaining vigilant to signs of a relapse/monitoring your moods |
| Continuing to implement strategies |