Developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Nanette V. Larson, BA, CRSS Director, Recovery Support Services

WRAP for What?  I can write a WRAP for anything!  First I must decide what it is that I want to write my WRAP for  Each part of my plan will be relevant to that particular thing that I am planning for

WRAP for What? (cont)  Examples May Include:  Mental and emotional well-being  Living with a chronic health condition  Nutritional health  Staying drug and alcohol-free  Having strong friendships or other relationships  Staying on track at school or work

WRAP Concepts: Part One  Wellness Toolbox  Daily Maintenance  Triggers/Action Plan

Wellness Toolbox  Many, many things I can do to be well and stay well  What goes in MY toolbox may or may not go in yours  I can keep adding to the list as long as I’d like

At My Best  “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”  by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

At My Best, cont.  A “picture” of me at my very best, in regard to the situation I am writing this WRAP for  A clear description of me when things are really going well  Gives me a goal, so I know what I am working toward

Daily Maintenance Plan  A distinct list of items I do EVERY DAY to keep me AT MY BEST  Start with a maximum of 3-5 items; may increase over time  These items are those which, if I do NOT do them, my wellness may be compromised  Ask yourself: “And if I don’t do this…?”

Triggers, and an Action Plan  Events or circumstances that may compromise my wellness if I don’t respond to them  Identify: “Events or circumstances” – this can be just about anything – what are they for ME, in regard to the WRAP I am working on?  Plan: “If I don’t respond to them” – this means that I CAN respond to them – but first I must have an Action Plan!

Review of WRAP Concepts: Part One  Wellness Toolbox + Daily Maintenance + Triggers/Action Plan = Living Well Every Day  WRAP can be for anyone and anything  WRAP is a lifestyle, not just a program

WRAP Concepts: Part Two  Early Warning Signs/Action Plan  Things Breaking Down/Action Plan  Crisis Planning  Post-Crisis Planning

Early Warning Signs, and an Action Plan  Subtle signs of change, that only I notice, that indicate to me that I may need to take some further action  Identify: These signs are sometimes referred to as “internal” because they are not obvious to other people – I am the only one who is aware of them; they are sometimes thoughts, feelings or sensations  Plan: When I take action at this stage, I can stop the ball from rolling down the hill!

Early Warning Signs, and an Action Plan, continued  Key Feature in this Phase: Only I am aware  Key Action in this Phase: Take Action Against Emotion

When Things Are Breaking Down, and an Action Plan  In this stage, things are getting even worse, and other people are beginning to notice, but I am still able to take action on my own behalf  Identify: These signs are now more obvious to other people; sharing with others what the signs might be helps them to be good supporters  Plan: Support that is empowering is the key in this stage; sharing action steps with my supporters that will help me take action on my own behalf will help me to recognize my own strength and resiliency

When Things Are Breaking Down, and an Action Plan, cont.  Key Feature in this Phase: Someone else can observe it, but I can still take action on my own behalf  Key Action in this Phase: Involvement of Empowering Support

Crisis Planning  A crisis is a situation in which I can no longer take care of myself, and others will need to take over responsibility for my care  I write the crisis plan when I am well, to instruct others about how to care for me when I am not well  Much like an advance directive, the crisis plan allows me to participate in the decision-making process, even when I am not capable of being the person making the decisions

Crisis Planning, continued  Whereas the other parts of the WRAP were developed for my own use, this part of the WRAP is being developed for others to use, so I have to be very clear when I am writing it  Identify: There are many aspects I will need to identify, such as what I am like when I am well, what the signs of a crisis may be, etc.  Plan: I will also need to make specific plans for my supporters to follow, such as who to call (and who not to call), where to seek help, and how they will know to discontinue the plan

Crisis Planning  Key Feature in this Phase: Someone will have to take over  Key Action in this Phase: Plan ahead so the person will know what to do that is helpful and according to my wishes

Post-Crisis Planning  Planning for life after a crisis is the first step to ensuring successful recovery  Identify: What will make my life more manageable after the crisis has passed?  Plan: What steps can I take to get myself slowly on the road to recovery?

Post-Crisis Planning  Key Feature in this Phase: I am now ready to be in control of my own life again  Key Action in this Phase: Plan small steps on the road to recovery, to help the transition back to wellness

WRAP is a Lifestyle  Writing a WRAP plan is more than a one-time occurrence  The WRAP plan itself is a dynamic document; it is ever-changing to fit my personal needs and experiences  Living a WRAP lifestyle means that I live each day with a sense of hope, personal responsibility and self-awareness, and a willingness to seek out support when needed

WRAP is a Lifestyle, continued  WRAP is always based on personal choice  The pursuit of good information in order to make good choices is one of the keys to the process  Another key is being able to communicate effectively in order to reach my goals  At its base, WRAP is a spiritual process, recognizing my daily pursuit of purpose

For More Information    Last revised (nvl)