Assignment On National Recovery Framework and Principles

Running head: RECOVERY PRINCIPLES: SUNNYBOYS DOCUMENTARY 1
Recovery Principles: SunnyBoys Documentary
Student’s Name
University Affiliation

RECOVERY PRINCIPLES: SUNNYBOYS DOCUMENTARY 2
Recovery Principles: SunnyBoys Documentary
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a disabling mental condition that affects a person’s thinking process and
capabilities and behaviour. The clinical manifestations of schizophrenia are poor memory and
difficulties in being attentive (Marder & Galderisi, 2017). The goals of managing
schizophrenia are targeting the symptoms, improving adaptive functioning and preventing
relapse (Patel, Cherian, Gohil, & Atkinson, 2014). This assignment will incorporate the
National Recovery Framework and Principles to explore the lived experience of mental health
predicaments of Jeremy Oxley as depicted in the SunnyBoy documentary. Jeremy was diagnosed
with schizophrenia at the peak of his music career and left the band. He became stigmatised,
isolated and alcoholic for about 30 years. Fortunately, Jeremy met Griffiths Mary, a nursing
professional, who helped change his circumstance through social support and medication (ABC,
2016). Firstly, this assignment will discuss the principle of the uniqueness of the individual.
Secondly, it will explore the theme of real choices, self-determination and autonomy. Thirdly, it
will discuss the principle of attitudes and rights. Fourthly, the paper will explore how the
principle of dignity and respect is manifested in the SunnyBoy documentary. Fifthly, the easy
will discuss the principle of partnership and communication. Finally, it will delineate the
principle of recovery evaluation, feedback and reflection.
The lived experience of mental health problems of Jeremy Oxley
The lived experience of Jeremy Oxley buttresses the concept that recovery is not
necessarily about the cure but having the ability to develop and live a meaningful life and
contribute to the community. As narrated in the SunnyBoy documentary, Jeremy experienced

RECOVERY PRINCIPLES: SUNNYBOYS DOCUMENTARY 3
stigma and isolation for many before he met Mary (ABC, 2016). Mary initiated Jeremy’s
recovery by upholding the principle of the uniqueness of the individual. Based on this principle,
recovery entails being a valued member of the community, personal empowerment and emphasis
on the quality of life. Also, this principle notes that the recovery outcome is personal and unique
for each person (Department of Health, 2010). These factors cause patients with
schizophrenia to undergo the process of acceptance. In the process of acceptance, individuals
assert that recovery from schizophrenia is an ongoing process due to its long-term nature, which
can be described as coping. Coping involves regaining a sense of self when a person has control
over their symptoms (Eklund, Hermansson, & Håkansson, 2012). Reengagement follows
this process. One study notes that patients who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia show
signs of reengagement, mainly involving social interaction and setting goals like have a job and
living independently (Phillips, 2008). In the SunnyBoy documentary, Mary helped Jeremy to
regain self-control as well as in the process of reengagement. She was determined to link Jeremy
to the other band members and his brother Peter. As such, social inclusion was an important
principle in Jeremy’s recovery process.
In the process of recovery, a patient should be allowed the opportunity to make decisions
on issues that are fundamental to their lives. Throughout the recovery process, the patient should
be supported to make real choices about how they want to lead their lives. This principle is
portrayed in the lived experience of Jeremy because Mary promoted autonomy and self-
determination (Department of Health, 2010). According to the documentary, Jeremy
continued to write and play music even though he had been separated from the other members of
the SunnyBoy band. In fact, Jeremy did not drop his passion for music for the 30 years he had
schizophrenia. Due to this aspect, Mary supported him to make creative and meaningful decision