Health and Wellness

People in recovery from mental illness or both mental illness and substance use pick and choose from a wide array of possible tools to use in their recovery. But everyone must take care of their own health and wellness or suffer the consequences. And the consequences are a matter of life and death.

In 2006, the National Association of State Mental Health Directors released a research study that revealed people who have mental illness are dying, on average, 25 years younger than the rest of the population. And they are not dying from mental illness. People who have mental illness are dying from treatable conditions that are caused by smoking, obesity, substance abuse, and inadequate access to medical care. They are dying from diabetes, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and infectious diseases. People who have mental illness, therefore, must pay attention to their own health and wellness, perhaps even more so than the rest of the population.

There are many ways to take care of yourself and improve your overall wellness. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness offer a starting point for you to consider.

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness*

Social - developing a sense of connection and a well-developed support system

Physical - recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition while discouraging the use of tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption

Emotional - developing skills and strategies to cope effectively with stress, challenges, and conflict

Spiritual - searching for meaning and purpose in human existence

Occupational - deriving personal satisfaction and enrichment from one's work

Intellectual - recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills

Environmental - fostering good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being

Financial - feeling satisfied with current and foreseeable future financial situation
 

*Swarbrick, M. (2006). A wellness approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29,(4) 311- 314.