What is the predominant experience in Stage 1 of the recovery process?

Stage 1 of the recovery process is characterized primarily by the impact of the illness on an individual's life. At this stage, individuals are often confronted with the realities of their situation, which can include various challenges and disruptions caused by the illness. This impact can manifest in emotional distress, social isolation, and changes in overall functioning.

Understanding this stage as focused on the impact allows peer support specialists to effectively engage with individuals who may be experiencing confusion, fear, or a lack of direction due to their circumstances. Acknowledging and validating these feelings is crucial in helping individuals move towards the next phase of recovery, where they begin to accept their situation and explore pathways to regain control.

While the other phases mentioned—acceptance of the illness, establishing a new identity, and realizing self-worth—are indeed important elements of the recovery journey, they typically occur in later stages as individuals progress and build on their initial understanding of how the illness has affected their lives. Thus, highlighting the impact of the illness in Stage 1 is integral to recognizing the starting point of recovery for many individuals.