The oral tradition of story telling is how many cultures pass on important information. We believe that hearing people's recovery stories, their achievements, challenges and disappointments helps us reflect on and understand our own mental health. It also gives us a priceless opportunity to learn from one another and build a practical base of knowledge. This may sometimes challenge our mental health services providers as giving them constructive feedback makes them more aware of service areas they may need to improve. However by informing them about what they need to consider and do differently and acknowledging good services we can assist them to better accommodate cultural values, needs and preferences.
As there is always new information to learn about recovery support it is necessary that it be approached in a polite, sensitive and respectful manner. We believe a CALD perspective in the journey of recovery is assisted by:
- The careful selection of an interpreter or bicultural worker who speaks the person's native tongue, who is of an appropriate gender and has had some training in mental health.
- Keeping the person's family circle alive and harmonious through promoting and encouraging respectful relationships from their children and as well as assisting parents to likewise, demonstrate respect to their children.
- Gaining an understanding of the CALD consumer's particular culture preferences and respecting and assisting that person to keep their culture alive and observe their human rights
- Encouraging the person to express and maintain their own religious beliefs.
- Taking all opportunities to reduce any type of stigma
Recovery stories
We will recover in different ways and may need different forms of support and assistance
On this page you will find examples of people's stories for you to read.
We'd like to hear from you
If you would like to share your own story please have a look at the "Sharing your Story Guide" and contact us, so that we can organise the best way to gather this ifnormation (eg by tape, by phone or through some other way).
