Existential Recovery

Existential recovery is the process of rooting yourself in meaning, discovering your values, and empowering yourself to live according to such meaning and values. It is a highly individualized journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Below, we provide some ways to think about your own process of existential recovery and resources that may help facilitate this part of your journey.

Hope, Meaning, and Spirituality
Self Efficacy, Empowerment, and Responsibility

Hope, Meaning, and Spirituality

Hope, meaning, and spirituality are key components of existential recovery. Whether you're drawing from your past experiences, spiritual beliefs, or the support of those around you, creating a positive outlook and finding meaning in your experiences can be transformative.

Creating a Positive Outlook

Cultivating hope and a positive outlook can help reframe your experiences. Here are a few ideas:

Take inspiration from someone who has recovered.
Reflect on your progress in recovery and how far you've come.
Gratitude: Consider what you have that others may desire and be grateful for it.
Reminisce about times of wellness to remind yourself of brighter moments.
Use humor as a way to lighten difficult situations.
Connect with your spiritual beliefs to find strength and purpose.
View your illness as an opportunity for growth and change.
Post or read inspiring thoughts and images to uplift your spirits.
Appreciate the positive aspects of your current life.
Engage in mood boosting activities:

Highs that don’t lead to subsequent lows:

• Meditation, gratitude, prayer, journaling, unconditional love.

• Yoga, exercise, play, nature walks.

• Creating art, reading for fun, singing, poetry.

• Practicing a craft, pursuing curiosity, work done for its own sake, flow.
— Naval (@naval) September 30, 2020

Finding Meaning

Finding meaning in your life and in the challenges you face is crucial to existential recovery. Consider the following approaches to help you find purpose:

Adopt an important role in society, contributing to something greater.
Have realistic expectations for your recovery process.
Pursue goals that promote autonomy, competence, and relationships with others.
Develop a skill or mastery in an area that is meaningful to you.
Clarify your values to guide your life and decisions.
Find meaning even in adversity and suffering—difficult experiences can hold valuable lessons.

Helpful Resources

General Resources

You may feel motivated to read into, listen to, or research more about things that are important to you, or some of the above suggestions that you connect with the most. In addition to things like youtube for videos and whatever application you might use for podcasts, you can increase your access to books (audiobooks, ebooks, and physical books) for free with the following:

Libby: Free Access to BooksExplore a world of audiobooks, ebooks, and physical books for free.
Saskatchewan LibrariesWith a Saskatchewan library card, you can order books from accross the province to be picked up from the library nearest to you.

Pursuing Indigenous Cultural Connection

Connecting to Indigenous culture and practices can be an important part of recovery for those who identify with these traditions. Below are resources that can help you explore and deepen your connection to Indigenous culture and healing:

First Nations Perspective on Health and WellnessA comprehensive guide to wellness from a First Nations' perspective.
Wellness Resources at the University of SaskatchewanAccess wellness resources, Indigenous therapists, and more.
Friendship Centres in Saskatchewan Find local friendship centers to foster a sense of community and cultural connection.
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre Learn more about Indigenous culture, language, and traditions in Saskatchewan.

Self Efficacy, Empowerment, and Responsibility

Part of existential recovery is developing a sense of self that is balanced and resilient, allowing you to feel empowered and take responsibility for your recovery. Here are some ideas to help you along the way:

Develop a Balanced Sense of Self

Recognize and value your strengths and achievements, no matter how small.
Accept your illness as part of your reality.
View mental illness as equivalent to a physical illness—both deserve care and attention.
Embrace your limitations and weaknesses without judgment, and focus on what you can do.

Empower Oneself

Empowerment comes from recognizing that recovery requires effort and dedication. It’s about taking proactive steps to improve your mental and physical well-being:

Commit to the efforts required for recovery, and believe that you are capable of it.
Dedicate yourself to learning new things, whether it's a topic of interest or a course of study.
Motivate yourself by focusing on the things that bring you joy or fulfillment.
Be assertive about your needs and expectations—take control of your recovery journey.

Helpful Resources

Below are resources to help you on your path toward self-efficacy and empowerment:

How to Grow Your BrainA video exploring how neuroplasticity helps the brain grow and adapt.
How to Grow Your MindA video focusing on how to foster mental growth and resilience.
Wellness Together Free mental health resources for Canadians, available online.
CCI Looking After YourselfModules on depression, self-esteem, procrastination, and more.
Positive Coping with Health ConditionsStrategies to cope with chronic health conditions and improve mental health.