Recovery is for everyone and different for everyone.  It is described in the National Framework for Recovery Oriented Mental Health Services as 'being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life in a community of choice with or without the presence of mental health issues'. 

In addition, the Framework includes several characteristics that are common to people's recovery:

• a unique and personal journey
• a normal human process
• an ongoing experience and not the same as an end point or cure
• a journey rarely taken alone 
• nonlinear - frequently interspersed with both achievement and setbacks. ^_[1]

A review of the literature has found that the recovery process also includes some common features, described as the CHIME acronym:

• Connectedness
• Hope and optimism about the future
• Identity
• Meaning in life
• Empowerment ^_[2]

It is important to note that recovery is not about a cure. Rather, it is about individuals self-managing their lives in meaningful ways, with appropriate supports as required. Critical to this process is functioning.^_[3] People who have effective levels of functioning may lead fulfilling lives while self-managing their symptoms of mental illness. Mental health community services provide supports that build on people's existing strengths while improving levels of functioning. Family, friends, community groups, education and employment also play important roles in promoting and supporting people's recovery journeys.