Recovery
Recovery is a process, not a single finish line — and it looks different for everyone.
What it is
Recovery, whether from mental illness, addiction, or both, is generally understood as an ongoing process of regaining control, meaning, and stability in life — not necessarily the complete elimination of symptoms or struggle. For some conditions, recovery means living well long-term with something that doesn't fully go away.
Good to know
Recovery rarely moves in a straight line. Setbacks are a normal part of the process, not evidence that it isn't working or that someone has failed.
What helps
Having a personal definition of what recovery looks like for you, rather than measuring against someone else's, tends to make the process more sustainable. Peer support — people who've been through something similar — is consistently one of the most valued parts of recovery for the people who use it.
When to seek help
Recovery support is available at any stage — early on, mid-process, or after a setback. CHANNAL and other peer programs on this site exist specifically for the ongoing part, not just the beginning.
Services that can help
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Warm LinePeer support run by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in NL.
- Trans Support NLOutreach, education, and peer support for the trans community across NL.
- Eating Disorder Foundation of NL (EDFNL)Advocacy, support, and direction toward treatment. Caregiver programming includes the Bridge to Hope education group, Parents of Hope, and a sibling group.
- Lifewise NL Warm LinePeer support for non-crisis emotional support, daily.
- Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services (formerly CHANNAL)Province-wide peer support by people with lived experience of mental illness. Formerly the Consumers' Health Awareness Network NL (CHANNAL). Runs the Lifewise Warm Line below.
- Caregivers NLSupport line for family and informal caregivers.
Related topics
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.