Families and Recovery: Beyond clinical and social inclusion perspectives

Robert Bland; Marianne Wyder

doi:10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2303

Authors

Robert Bland Honorary Professor of Social Work University of Queensland, and Australian Catholic University https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3295-9194
Marianne Wyder Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Queensland Health, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2303

Keywords:

families, mental health, recovery, ‘social inclusion’, recovery journey

Abstract

This paper explores the theoretical connections between principles of social inclusion and the recovery moment in mental health, identifying points of convergence and divergence. Social inclusion and recovery, while developing from different starting points, converge in recognizing the broader personal, family and community contexts, in which mental health problems emerge, and the impacts of those problems. A significant part of the context for recovery and measures to achieve social inclusion, remains the person’s family. Current models of recovery probably overlook the distress of families in the recovery journey. The paper considers the extent to which families have a role both in supporting the recovery of a family member, and in making their own recovery journey. The paper further suggests the need for ongoing research to explore the way the family recovery journey changes over time

Author Biographies

Robert Bland, Honorary Professor of Social Work University of Queensland, and Australian Catholic University

Robert Bland. AM PhD is Honorary Professor of Social Work, University of Queensland, and Australian Catholic University. He is a social worker with extensive experience in mental health, community sector and University settings in Queensland and Tasmania.ORCID 0009-0007-3295-9194

Marianne Wyder, Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Queensland Health, Australia

Marianne Wyder, PhD is Senior Research Fellow, Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Queensland Health, Australia. She is a social worker with a background in academic sociology. Over the last 20 years she has worked in various research and clinical positions in government, University, and community sectors.
ORCID 0000-0002-8877-4232

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