Until
the mid 1990’s, treating psychiatric illnesses was approached
from a medical model’s perspective. The medical model has a
place in recovery, but slowly professionals and paraprofessionals are
beginning to recognize that the medical model is not the sole
approach to treating people who have mental health concerns.
Traditionally
speaking, the medical model allowed doctors to categorize symptoms
into illnesses and diagnose those illnesses for proper treatment of
that diagnosis. For example, if a person was diagnosed with Disorder
A, it meant treatment with Prescription A. It also assumed that
everyone with Disorder A experienced all symptoms of Disorder A,
could only be treated by Treatment A and could expect Prognosis A.
The
medical model believes the only way to live with a psychiatric
disorder is if all symptoms are nullified or masked. For that reason,
many medications are given with the understanding that they may alter
the person’s ability to live life, but so long as they
alleviate symptoms, the quality of life doesn’t necessarily
matter. The medical model emphasizes that doctors are experts and
must be obeyed.
If
you’ll allow me, I’d like to simplify the medical model
to a soup can label. What’s on the label is in the can; what’s
not on the label is not in the soup. Reading the soup label, you know
what to expect from the soup and aren’t surprised unless there
was someone asleep at the labeling machine and the mistake wasn’t
corrected by quality control.
Although
labels are perfect for soup cans, they aren’t perfect for
people. Sure, labels can answer some questions and give relief to
that nagging curiosity about what lies within that mysterious sealed
can. However, what if there was more to that can?
For
example, what if that can’s label was signed by a famous
artist? Andy Warhol, an iconic American artist during the 1950’s
and 1960s signed Campbell’s Soup can labels after creating
artwork depicting the Campbell’s soup can. One such label
auctioned off in 2011 for $1,553.50
(http://ephemera.ning.com/photo/andy-warhol-signed-campbell-s-soup-label).
So,
let me ask you? If you had one of those labels, would you be more
interested that there’s a smudge on it, covering up the
ingredient list, or are you more interested in the potential of this
label now that you can see its value?
In
part II of this column, published in two weeks, I will tell how the
Recovery Model
looks at psychiatric symptoms differently. I will also show the
benefits and limitations of utilizing this new post-modern model and
how it can potentially bring positive change to those who embrace it.
I
would liken applying the Recovery Model in my life to being
resurrected. My old, worn out mind, body and life was exchanged for a
new one. Although this is an imperfect comparison (I mean, I don’t
have a perfect mind, body and life yet. However, today my life is a
complete 180-degree change from where I was three years ago before
learning about and applying this model to my life and circumstance).
I can’t wait to share it with you!
May
you have a blessed and rejuvenating Easter as you reflect on the
perfect gift our Savior gave us to pay a debt which we could never
repay ourselves.
P.S.
This week, I am taking my comprehensive exam to graduate with my
Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling with an advanced
certificate in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Pray for me!
Sarah Price Hancock, a graduate of San Diego State University's rehabilitation
counseling Masters of Science program with a certificate psychiatric
rehabilitation.
Having embarked on her own journey with a mental health diagnosis, she is
passionate about psychiatric recovery. She enjoys working as a lector
for universities, training upcoming mental health professionals.
Sarah also enjoys sharing insights with peers working to strengthen
their "recovery toolbox." With proper support, Sarah
knows psychiatric recovery isn’t just possible — it’s
probable.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Sarah served a Spanish-speaking
and ASL mission for the LDS Church in the Texas Dallas Mission. She
was graduated from Ricks College and BYU. Sarah currently resides in
San Diego and inherited four amazing children when she married the
man of her dreams in 2011. She loves writing, public speaking,
ceramics, jewelry-making and kite-flying — not necessarily in
that order.