Overcoming a mood disorder or an addiction : the process of recovery

Abstract

This research is aimed at understanding the needs of individuals in the process of recovery from an addiction or a mood disorder. The focus is on long term-recovery with the aim of understanding the prevalent elements and lifestyle changes that individuals who have a mood disorder or an addiction undergo, to be able to function and reach their full potential within the community. This research focuses on identity and self-awareness and how professionals can work with individuals through a variety of different therapies and spirituality towards connecting with themselves and others. This study’s initial aim was to understand the needs for recovery from a mood disorder and a mental health condition separately and then elicit similarities and differences between them. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a challenge to recruit participants and not many professionals who work with individuals who have a mood disorder came forward. To carry out this research, a qualitative strategy was used by carrying out seven semi-structured in-depth interviews with professionals who have worked with individuals recovering from an addiction or a mood disorder. A variety of different professionals were recruited in order to gather new perspectives and ideas. The participants who were interviewed spoke about mental health conditions in general rather than focusing on mood disorders. The results indicate that there are many common factors which contribute to recovery from addiction and from a mental health condition and the themes elicited demonstrate these common factors. One of the aims of this study was to propose more individualised care however; the results indicate that recovery is a process that requires connection with others. This research brings out the importance of human relationships and the need to address broken attachment and patterns of behaviour which result in isolation. In addition, the findings show the need for a more holistic approach to recovery from a mood disorder or an addiction.