cptsdwillgraham:

some people recover in that they no longer experience anything they consider to be symptomatic of mental illness, either with or without conventional treatment

some people recover in that they still experience symptoms but no longer feel that they significantly impact their lives in a negative way

some people recover in that their symptoms are still difficult or unpleasant, but they have found ways to manage or accommodate them in day to day life, and feel content and fulfilled

recovery is not a given or a necessity but it is also not impossible