How important is peer support?
Health and wellness for our members relies on the “small stuff” as well as the “big things.” Long-term recovery involves, besides appropriate psychiatric care, changes and adjustments in day-to-day behaviors and activities: quitting smoking; exercise; good nutrition; etc.
Many members know, through experience, that their mental and physical health are intimately connected. They’ve felt the benefit of physical activity on their mood, energy, and overall sense of well being.
That’s the reason that there has been so much member-driven health and wellness activity at Vail Place and that it is so integral to our overall program.
In addition to the personal experiences of members, there is also a growing body of research pointing to the benefits of health and wellness programs – encompassing education, wellness, and physical activity – for people with mental illness.
But because of the leadership of members, and many staff, in this area, Vail Place has had been able to nurture health and wellness initiatives for many years. These have included: member/staff groups attending the local Y, walking groups, smoking cessation groups, meditation and yoga groups, and groups that meet regularly to discuss general health issues.
Vail Place also offers workshops and classes on nutrition and cooking. In addition, there are a number of clients who are pursuing exercise and weight loss programs on their own. Invariably, those who participate regularly in these activities, independently or in groups, report decreases in anxiety and stress levels and improvements in mood, energy, and an overall sense of well being. What’s more, they provide compelling role models and offer strong support for their peers.
What makes “healthy living” even more critical for members is that many also suffer from co-occurring disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity; and, they take a host of medications with side effects that can exacerbate these conditions. The benefits of exercise and good nutrition on these physical illnesses have been well documented.
It’s worth noting that “mental” illnesses are actually physical diseases of the brain, and brain function is clearly affected by factors like physical activity, sleep, and nutrition. Most everyone can attest to the commonly held belief that “exercise makes you feel good.” Anything that enhances mood is likely to provide at least temporary relief for symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and lethargy, which are common for people with mental illness.
As health and wellness efforts expand at Vail Place, we see the growing benefits. More importantly, members are feeling those benefits and are offering the support that other members need to get on the road to total health and wellness.
