When I was at my lowest point in life, an angel came into my life and offered me a WRAP class. I had been in jail, arrested for a psychiatric offense after being enrolled in graduate school. I never thought anything like that could happen to me. I had a psychotic break and did not have the tools to advocate for quality treatment. I tried to take my life thinking it was the only way to stop my symptoms after realizing all the damage I had caused and feeling overwhelmed with regret. Fortunately, I checked myself into an emergency room, where a few days later I was transferred to a mental hospital for treatment. There, I met a WRAP facilitator who gave me information about WRAP. I had a glimpse of hope.
The WRAP class changed my life. I learned how to manage symptoms and perhaps, most importantly, even how to prevent them. The foundational principles of recovery showed me how to take control of my life and get the help I needed when I needed it. I learned to believe in myself, stay balanced, have faith, and have an action plan for dealing with life circumstances.
WRAP is a powerful way of life. It is empowering to those who use it. It has become automatic for me. As a peer specialist, I often share parts of my plan with others to explain to them that there are still basic things I need to do to stay well. WRAP is one of the best therapeutic tools I have ever used in my recovery. WRAP helps me deal with trying new things, talking to my doctors, standing up for myself, and making changes in my life. Its applications for mental health are far-reaching, but I use it in my relationships, work, and other areas of life.
I appreciate the work of Mary Ellen Copeland for creating it and those who facilitate and disseminate it. It has truly saved my life.
WRAP and Recovery Books is the division of AHP’s Human Potential Press that publishes books and materials about WRAP, wellness, and recovery.
