Real Life Psychiatric/Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR): A First Person Account

Psychosocial/psychiatric rehabilitation (PSR) reflects best practice in mental health services. Principles of client-centered care, empowerment and progress in vocational and educational spheres are applied to the individual with the ultimate goal of living a fulfilling and productive life as much as any other person in society. However, the methods of PSR often involve artificial constructs to achieve personal growth for the client. This has traditionally included sheltered workshops, day programs and consumer social centers and more recently supported employment and staffed housing. However, these models of care often promote negative feelings of group identification and perpetuate stigma. In this first person account, the author describes how after a major relapse of schizophrenia involving hospitalization five years ago, he was able to achieve real work, friendships and family reconciliation which translated to a satisfactory and successful life for him. The writer argues that PSR procedures do not necessarily have to be further developed but rather that our society should offer natural opportunities for individuals to develop, thus reflecting PSR principles in an authentic and meaningful structure that benefits society as well as the individuals involved.