Consumers talk about what was most helpful in their recovery journey, sharing their top tips and practical advice for those starting out.
Healthy day-to-day habits are important to recovery, including exercise, sleep, nutrition, social connection and communication.
"You have to consistently work on those small things. Getting to bed at a regular time, having a good sleep routine, eating good meals ... your social connection. They seem like a lot of things but, if we consistently keep them in check, they're very easy to fulfil and keep stable in your life."
Having a pet can help you to create a routine, develop healthy habits, and find not only meaning but also social connection in your life.
Setting aside time to relax and be creative can be a form of therapy that's helpful to your recovery.
For many people, a diagnosis can provide insight and validation to their experience.
Remember to be kind to yourself and realistic of what you're capable of achieving each day of your recovery journey.
Letting go of guilt and shame and associating with peers can be an important step towards healing.
"In previous episodes I would become embarrassed and hold a lot of guilt and a lot of shame. This time by being around others who've suffered mental illness or emotional crisis, I'm able to recognise that I'm not alone in this."
Your treating team's expertise and experience is vital to your recovery. It's important to maintain open communication to ensure you're being heard and understood.
It can be easy to isolate yourself when you're struggling, but connecting with others or even just going outside is are some small steps you can take to prevent relapse or move forward in your recovery.
Talking about yourself the way you would talk to your loved ones is one calming tactic you can use to reflect and remember to be kind to yourself.
For some, an important part of recovery is setting boundaries and accepting your limits.
Some people find it helpful to keep busy and stay active to prevent relapse.
Community events such as tree-planting can reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
"What I started doing was going along to the community tree-planting that were in my local area. I'd get out in the sun, be doing something physical and meeting local people, and then we'd have lunch together. It created real sense of camaraderie that we were all there to do something good together."
This consumer found that they were able to connect with their feelings through music.
It can help your recovery for you and those close to you to get support from peers and learn to more about mental illness.
An important thing to remember through recovery is to practise self-acceptance, being kind to yourself and sharing experiences with others, particularly people who have had similar feelings or experiences.
Plans and goals for the near or distant future can give you something to look forward to and help you to keep going.
"I would always have a concert or a movie or something that I would just have fun at in the near future ... to keep myself going."
Educate yourself, talk with peers and fellow consumers and consumer groups, and rely on the professionals in your treating team who are trained to help you.
"People can have a good life, even if they have a mental illness. It can be managed. You can still get what you want out of life."
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