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Recovery in Mental Health: Objective vs. Subjective
Understanding the Two Sides of Mental Health Recovery
Mental health professionals and researchers have long sought to understand what it means to "recover" from mental health challenges. One helpful framework breaks down the process into two categories: objective recovery and subjective recovery—two complementary, yet distinct, dimensions of progress in mental health treatment (Roe et al., 2011) (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).
What Is Objective Mental Health Recovery?
Objective recovery refers to the measurable aspects of recovery, including:
- Reduction or remission of psychiatric symptoms (e.g., fewer depressive episodes or panic attacks)
- Functional improvements (e.g., returning to work or school, managing daily responsibilities)
Many individuals come to the Austen Riggs Center because their mental health issues and symptoms interfere with their ability to meet life goals. For example, someone may struggle with chronic suicidal ideation, major depression, and persistent self-criticism that can lead to hopelessness, withdrawal, and distress—experiences that require professional clinical care.
What Is Subjective Mental Health Recovery?
Subjective recovery emphasizes a personal and emotional experience, including:
- A coherent sense of identity
- Healthy self-esteem and self-direction
- A sense of hope, purpose, and meaning
- Fulfilling relationships and a sense of community belonging
These aspects can be more difficult to see from the outside but are crucial to long-term recovery. Someone may appear to be functioning “normally,” yet feel disconnected from themselves, ashamed of their pain, and isolated by the belief that no one truly understands them. The result? Painful experiences of loneliness can leave the person feeling like their life lacks meaning or purpose.
Why Both Perspectives Matter in Mental Health Treatment
At Riggs, we take a comprehensive, person-centered approach that values both the objective and subjective elements of recovery. Treatment options begin with the individual’s goals and what matters most to them—not clinician assumptions—and center around collaborative therapeutic relationships, giving individuals a voice and allowing them to drive their treatment plan.
Some patients may seek help with emotion regulation and to stabilize mood swings, while others are navigating identity confusion or uncertainty about their life’s purpose. No matter where someone starts, our focus is on individualized care that addresses developmental, psychological, and relational struggles.
A Real-World Example of the Recovery Process
Consider a college student dealing with severe social anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts, unable to attend classes or form meaningful peer connections. Beneath these symptoms may lie a deeper developmental conflict: the very normal challenge of separating from family and forming one’s distinct identity, building self-reliance, and managing the emotional, academic, and social responsibilities of adult life.
Through our comprehensive psychological evaluation, we explore how their mental health condition and symptoms are rooted in the individual’s life story, identity formation, personality structure, cultural context, and family dynamics. This depth-oriented work helps uncover the underlying sources of emotional pain, allowing for sustainable symptom relief and personal growth.
Moving Toward Meaningful, Long-Term Recovery
True recovery isn’t just about reducing symptoms. It’s about building a life that feels meaningful and connected. At Austen Riggs, we help people move beyond their mental health disorder toward flourishing—through care that addresses the full complexity of the human experience.
Want to Learn More?
Explore more about our therapeutic community or learn how we work with emerging adults and those navigating complex psychiatric conditions.
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