High hopes and expectations: Consumer disappointment and recovery

The reality of everyday life is that hopes or expectations for certain outcomes are not always realized. Whether it is a competitive sports game, attaining the requisite marks to get into university, an application for a job, or facing a challenging family or health issue, outcomes are not always favorable. If expectations are not moderated or managed accordingly, then disappointment may ensue. In regards to mental health care, the promotion of help seeking and a recovery model of care can result in expectations of mental health service that do not match outcomes. This column explores the concept of disappointment in relation to the experiences of mental health care consumers and their recovery journeys.