Action Planning

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About the planning guide

Designed in 1997 by people seeking to overcome their own health issues, Wellness Recovery Action Plan® (WRAP) is an evidence-based prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well, and make their life the way they want it to be. Training and certification from Advocates for Human Potential is required in order to teach WRAP. A related guide called Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR) helps people identify and document daily actions that will improve their emotional and physical wellness. APPR is grounded in WRAP® and was prepared by its lead author. It contains a set of instructions on how to make action plans for wellness self-management. Plans include safe and simple strategies such as going to bed at a reasonable and consistent hour, eating healthy foods throughout the day, or writing in a journal each night.

Who can use it?

Anyone can develop and use an action plan for prevention and recovery. The process was designed to help people manage their troubling psychiatric or emotional issues, but it can also be used to self-manage any type of health concern.

How does it work?

The action plans described in the guide include simple, low-cost, and flexible strategies. They can be changed over time as users learn more about what helps them to get and stay well. In fact, action plans for prevention and recovery work well because they’re easy to develop and easy to use. People develop plans for themselves, reaching out to others for assistance and support, as needed. Plans are made to directly self-manage the user’s most troubling feelings, symptoms, and circumstances to promote recovery over time. Many people have found that a written self-management plan renews their hope that things will get better, and gives them more control over their lives and how they feel.

The elements of a plan developed through APPR include:

- A Wellness Toolbox of strategies to consistently use to feel better
- A Daily Maintenance Plan of actions to take every day to stay well
- A Triggers Action Plan that first identifies circumstances that produce uncomfortable symptoms and then creates specific plans for managing these triggers when they occur
- Early Warning Signs that a crisis may be developing and how to immediately address those signs to avoid the crisis
- How to Know When Things are Breaking Down and a few simple actions to take to avoid a full-blown crisis
- A Crisis Plan for how the person wants to be treated and supported if a crisis occurs, including preferred supporters, treatment facilities, and medications

Users are encouraged to spend 15-20 minutes each day reviewing their plans. Many people find this is best done in the morning, after a healthy breakfast. During their daily review, users will consider how they’re feeling, and activate the plans that match their current emotions and behaviors. If there is a crisis situation, the plans help people more quickly realize that they need to reach out for assistance, and they may even ask supporters to take over decision-making, using their plans for preferred treatment. Over time, people will know how to use their written action plans without needing to refer to them each day.

What resources are needed?

A computer and internet connection are required to download and print the 13-page guide. Other resources needed are a pen, binder, tabs, and blank paper to record and store the plans in a convenient location.

What experience is needed?

Anyone can use the booklet to develop action plans for improved wellness. We strongly recommend that people interested in action planning pursue WRAP® training to learn this evidence-based model for wellness self-management. More information about WRAP® training, consultation, and technical assistance is available from Advocates for Human Potential.

Preparing to use the guide

1. Read through the booklet at least once before starting to develop action plans. This will enhance understanding of the overall self-management process.

2. To make the process more manageable, work on each section slowly, putting it aside for breaks as needed. This also provides time to observe what works best for wellness and should be included in the various action plans.

Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (based on WRAP)