WRAP stands for Wellness Recovery Action Plan.

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan concept was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland around 1997 in Vermont, USA.

It was developed for mental health service users to be able to work on their own recovery. The formation of the plan was done by participants who has previously been patients of psychiatric hospitals.

What they developed was found to work for them and helped them recover from their own mental health difficulties.

HOPE

This is usually found in people who were starting on their recovery and were also starting to get their lives back together. Hope is a large part of the process of recovery and as such a large part of the overall WRAP program.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Each individual needs to take personal responsibility in taking the steps towards recovery, such as attending a support group or making positive changes in their lifestyles and diets.

EDUCATION

When dealing with a mental health issue it is important that you educate yourself about the possible triggers and the treatments that are available to you. Medication and knowing the side the side effects of same fall under this heading.

SELF ADVOCACY

Knowing and accepting that you have a mental health issue can start off the process of education and getting the facts about your particular condition. This can be very empowering.

SUPPORT

Having a structured support system in place is a key component in the Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Knowing who you can turn to in the tough times will help dealing with your condition. These supporters can be close friends or family but in general you will know if they are the right people because you will enjoy spending time in their company. You will feel secure and comfortable in they presence.

Could WRAP Help You?

There are many times in life where having a Wellness Recovery Action Plan could be of benefit. Day to day we can get overcome by extremely stressful situations – some of which I have detailed below. Having a WRAP in place could help alleviate that stress.

Managing your mental health difficulties

Changing behaviours to more positive behaviours

Planning a budget and ways to save money

Parenting

Seeking employment or reaching educational goals

Taking control of your physical health and fitness

Helping carers to manage challenging or difficult behaviours