Chapter 4: Your Care Team and You

Who’s Helping Me, and What Are Our Shared Roles?

Recovery is not something you have to face alone. Along the way, different people may support you in different ways—some as part of your healthcare team, and some from your personal life.

But here’s the truth: not everyone has a strong support system right away. And that’s okay. It takes time to find people who understand you, who walk at your pace, and who meet you without judgment.

Let’s start by understanding who might be part of your support system—both professional and personal.

The Professionals on Your Care Team

If you are receiving mental health care in a public or structured healthcare system, you may meet a range of professionals who work together to support your recovery. Each one brings something different to the table, but their shared goal is the same: helping you live well.

You may meet:

• Psychiatrists, who diagnose and prescribe medication if needed

• Psychologists, who support you in therapy and emotional understanding

• Case managers or care coordinators, who walk with you regularly to support your daily needs and recovery goals

• Occupational therapists, who help rebuild routines and confidence in areas like work, school, or home life

• Medical social workers, who support practical needs (financial, housing, family support) and emotional wellbeing

You don’t need to remember every job title. What matters is that these professionals are here as partners—not just providers. They are here to walk with you, not just treat a condition.

The People in Your Life

Outside of healthcare, there may be others who offer quiet, steady care:

• A family member who cooks when you’re too tired

• A friend who listens without trying to fix things

• A spiritual teacher or mentor who helps you make sense of your journey

• A stranger in an online forum who says, “I’ve been there too.”

And it’s okay if you haven’t found these people yet.

You may still be learning who to trust. Or maybe, right now, you prefer to hold your story close. That’s completely valid.

Finding your people takes time. You are allowed to go at your own pace.

In the meantime, you might explore:

• Peer support groups

• Online communities

• Recovery stories that reflect your experiences

These places can remind you: you are not alone. Even on the days it feels like you are.

Recovery is a Shared Journey—But Only When You’re Ready

You don’t need to share everything with everyone. Recovery works best when you have people who walk beside you—but only when you feel ready.

And even if you’re not ready to open up yet, you are still part of your own care team:

• Your voice matters

• Your preferences matter

• You have a right to be involved in decisions about your care, your goals, and your life

Over time, as trust builds, your team—both professional and personal—can support you in building a life that feels meaningful and worth living.

For now, start where you are.

The right people will come.