What is WRAP?
In this blog post we have some printable wellness recovery action plan worksheets for you. But first, I have a question.
Do you know what WRAP is? Have you heard of it before? I had not. And so I did some research and this amazing beautiful world opened up in front of me! You will know, and be able to see, if you are on this site, how much I believe in the power of journaling. So to find someone (Mary Ellen Copeland) who works within the medical and mental health community design a tool to enable people to journal about their mental health and develop their own tools tools manage their thoughts is a total joy.
This blog will take a look at the key features of WRAP and then address ways in which you can adapt those ideas and use them for yourself. Plus there are links to printable pages which you can use for yourself.
WRAP
WRAP stands for Wellness Recovery Action Plan, which is a self-designed prevention and wellness tool that people can use to get well and stay well. It was created by Mary Ellen Copeland, a mental health recovery advocate, author, and educator.
Mary Ellen Copeland has personal experience with mental health challenges and has worked to develop recovery approach resources to support individuals in their recovery journeys. Her evidence-based practice is focused on empowering individuals to take an active role in their own recovery and wellness.
The WRAP is a structured system for developing a personalized plan to address an individual’s mental health needs. It involves developing a set of wellness tools, a daily maintenance plan, and an action plan for times when symptoms may worsen.
WRAP key concepts
The key concepts of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) include:
Hope
The WRAP process begins with the belief that recovery is possible and that individuals can create a fulfilling life for themselves, even while experiencing mental health challenges.
Personal Responsibility
The WRAP approach emphasizes that individuals are responsible for their own wellness and recovery, and encourages them to take an active role in their own mental health care.
Education
The WRAP process involves educating individuals about mental health and wellness, as well as providing information about available resources and treatment options.
Self-Advocacy
The WRAP approach emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, or taking an active role in one’s own mental health care. This includes identifying personal needs and preferences, communicating those needs to treatment providers, and advocating for oneself in the mental health system.
Support
The WRAP process emphasizes the importance of social support and building a support network. This can include family, friends, peers, and mental health professionals.
Holistic Wellness
The WRAP approach takes a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs in order to achieve overall wellness.
Recovery
The WRAP approach views recovery as an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery, rather than a one-time event or achievement.
Personalized Planning
The WRAP process is highly individualized, and emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment and support to the unique needs and preferences of each individual.
The WRAP approach is designed to empower individuals with mental health challenges to take an active role in their own wellness and recovery, and to build on their own strengths and resources to achieve their goals. The approach is widely used and researched, and has been found to be effective in promoting recovery and improving quality of life for individuals with mental health challenges.
The WRAP process helps individuals to identify and utilize their own strengths and resources, as well as those of their support system.
The WRAP program has been widely used and researched, and has been found to be effective in promoting recovery and preventing relapse for individuals with mental health issues. Mary Ellen Copeland’s work has had a significant impact on the mental health field and has helped to promote a more holistic, person-centred approach to mental health treatment and recovery.
Mental illnesses in today’s world
Good health and good mental health are now recognised as key factors in life enjoyment. Rather than being seen as a sign of weakness, focusing on the maintenance of your own mental health is now seen as good self management.
DEVELOPING YOUR OWN WRAP
Here are the basic steps to create your own WRAP using its framework:
- Identify Your Wellness Toolbox
- Develop Your Daily Maintenance Plan
- Identify Triggers and Early Warning Signs
- Develop an Action Plan
- Review and Revisit Your Plan
It’s important to note that creating a WRAP is a personal and individualized process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You can work with a mental health professional or a WRAP facilitator to develop a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
What I love about WRAP as I have researched it is the sense of personal empowerment that comes with developing this kind of journal for yourself. Its ease of use easily translates to every day life. Anyone can develop their own wellness recovery action plan. It seems like a really sensible project to create for yourself. There are also many resources available online to help you create your own WRAP using the framework outlined above.
Creating your own WRAP plan template
Use the headings below to create your own personalized wellness recovery plan.
Identify Your Wellness Toolbox
Think about what tools and resources you already have in your life that support your wellness. This might include things like exercise, meditation, healthy eating, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in creative activities. Download your worksheet here.
Develop Your Daily Maintenance Plan
Create a plan for maintaining your wellness on a daily basis. What quality of life do you need to enjoy your life day-to-day? This might include things like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, taking your medications as prescribed, practicing mindfulness or other relaxation techniques, and engaging in physical activity. Download your worksheet here.
Identify Triggers and Early Warning Signs
Think about the things that might trigger symptoms or indicate that your mental health is starting to decline. This could include things like stress, lack of sleep, social isolation, or changes in appetite. Troubling feelings are often early warning signs for many people.
Download your worksheet here.
Develop an Action Plan
Create a plan of action for times when you experience symptoms or feel like your mental health is starting to decline. This might include things like reaching out to a support person or family members, increasing self-care activities, or seeking professional help. Download your action plan worksheet here.
Review and Revisit Your Plan
Once you’ve created your plan, it’s important to review it regularly and make adjustments as needed. This will help you to stay on track with your wellness goals and ensure that your plan is still effective in supporting your mental health. Download your worksheet here.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. You may also like:
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