SAMHSA’s Wellness Programming Jim Messina, Ph.D., CCMHC, NCC, DCMHS-T Webmaster: www.coping.us

What is Wellness? Wellness is being in good physical and mental health Because mental health and physical health are linked, problems in one area can impact the other At the same time, improving your physical health can also benefit your mental health, and vice versa It is important to make healthy choices for both your physical and mental well-being. Remember that wellness is not the absence of illness or stress. You can still strive for wellness even if you are experiencing these challenges in your life.

Impact of Wellness Programming Wellness can improve quality of life and increase years of life, especially for people with behavioral health conditions Reducing health disparities prevents early deaths and may also lower the nation's healthcare costs An analysis of medical expenditures published in 2015 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shows that trauma- related disorders, cancer, mental disorders, heart conditions, and arthritis and other non-traumatic joint disorders are the most costly conditions among American adults ages 18 to 64.

Factors Impacting Lack of Wellness for People with Mental Health/SUDS Disorders Many factors play a role in these disparities that impact people with serious mental and/or substance use disorders, including: Higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and infectious disease (including HIV) Elevated risk factors due to high rates of smoking, substance misuse, obesity, and unsafe sexual practices Increased vulnerability due to poverty, social isolation, trauma and violence, and incarceration Lack of coordination between mental and primary healthcare providers Prejudice and discrimination Side effects from psychotropic medications Overall lack of access to health care, particularly preventive care

Wellness Wellness means overall well-being It includes the mental, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life Incorporating aspects of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, such as choosing healthy foods, forming strong relationships, and exercising often, into everyday habits can help people live longer and improve quality of life The Eight Dimensions of Wellness may also help people better manage their condition and experience recovery.

Improving our Physical Wellness A healthy body. Good physical health habits. Nutrition, exercise, and appropriate health care. These make up the physical dimension of physical wellness. A few ways we can get there might be choosing things that make our body feel good and trimming back the things that bring us down. We can also feel better by creating a routine that balances activity with inactivity, and that is manageable within our obligations and needs. Our body is intelligent, and learning to listen to it more deeply may be very important and empowering. Areas of your physical health to focus on: Nutrition Physical Activity Sleep Alcohol, Tobacco and other drug use Medication safety Preventive Medicine

Improving our Intellectual Wellness The Intellectual Wellness Dimension involves many things that keep our brains active and our intellect expanding. In a broad sense, this dimension can involve looking at different perspectives of an issue and taking them into consideration. Through a number of activities—from learning about current events to organizing game nights in your home or community center—you can broaden your perspective and understand diverse points of view. Expanding Intellectual Wellness can be encouraged by focusing on: Personal interest Education Brain exercise Conversation

Improving our Financial Wellness There are many definitions of what constitutes being financially well, but overall, the Financial Wellness Dimension involves things such as income, debt, and savings, as well as a person’s understanding of financial processes and resources. A person’s satisfaction with their current financial situation and future prospects also comes into play. Improving our Financial Wellness can be expanded by our focusing on: Work Checking/Savings Accouns Debt Retirement/Other accounts

Improving our Environmental Wellness The Environmental Wellness Dimension involves being able to be safe and feel safe. This can include: Accessing clean air, food, and water Preserving the areas where we live, learn, and work Occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support our well-being Promoting learning, contemplation, and relaxation in natural places and spaces. Improving our Environmental Wellness can be expanded by our focusing on: Green living Change of Scenery Home and Work Environment

Improving our Spiritual Wellness The Spiritual Wellness Dimension is a broad concept that represents one’s personal beliefs and values and involves having meaning, purpose, and a sense of balance and peace. It includes: Recognizing our search for meaning and purpose in human existence Developing an appreciation for life and the natural forces that exist in the universe Improving our Spiritual Wellness can be expanded by our focusing on: Beliefs Involvement Time

Improving our Social Wellness The Social Wellness Dimension involves having healthy relationships with friends, family, and the community, and having an interest in and concern for the needs of others and humankind. Improving our Social Wellness can be expanded by our focusing on: Community New people Social Time

Improving our Occupational Wellness The Occupational Wellness Dimension involves participating in activities that provide meaning and purpose and reflect personal values, interests, and beliefs, including employment. Improving our Occupational Wellness can be expanded by our focusing on: Work relationships Balance Accomplishment

Improving our Emotional Wellness The Emotional Wellness Dimension involves the ability to express feelings, adjust to emotional challenges, cope with life’s stressors, and enjoy life. It includes knowing our strengths as well as what we want to get better at, and living and working on our own but letting others help us from time to time. Improving our Emotional Wellness can be expanded by our focusing on: Feelings/Emotions Self-Care Stress

Where do you go from here? Work on the 8 dimensions of wellness in your life so that you have well rounded wellness approach to life and have a happy long life!