For many folks, the diagnosis of a mental illness most often comes with a prescription for medication. In many cases, this is a good thing because the truly devastating symptoms from illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can be greatly relieved by careful chemical assistance.
But, as good as many medications are, many patients do not respond positively to them. Indeed, many feel no clinical benefit while having to endure negative side-effects.
The question I’d like to address this month, one that I get a lot, is this: Are there alternatives?
The short answer is a qualified yes. There are lifestyle and environmental remedies to some of the symptoms of mental illness.
The first is love and acceptance. The stigma borne by people with mental illness is strong, and it is a sad fact that many sufferers isolate themselves to avoid it. This only makes matters worse. Just knowing there is support and understanding can make symptoms feel less horrible.
The second is exercise. As a personal trainer, I see daily the positive influence on mood a good, hard workout causes. There is abundant research that links an up-tick in mood following physical exertion. Part of the problem with folks suffering mental illness is motivation, and this brings up the point I made above. With love and support, that motivational push can come from a friend or family member who cares.
Several years ago, I worked with a massage therapist with a group of psych patients at a Lower Mainland hospital. For a week I led a daily session of stretching, a fast walk, and another stretching session. This was followed by 30 minutes of massage. The effect was dramatic. Our feedback forms revealed that all patients said their mood was improved and their outlook more hopeful.
There are many theories about why exercise works. My own belief is that the mind and the body are one. If one is sad, the other happy, then balance can be achieved. Work the body, and the mind will follow and be at peace.
Art. I can’t stress enough the value of art and its ability to bring peace to an unquiet mind. There are many high-minded ideas about the role of artistic expression and its role in mood — stuff like elevated serotonin levels and the like. But I take a more simple view. I think that art comes from our core self, the place that is true “me” and which can be accessed only with the most honest intention.
I had the great honour to speak at the opening of a music show recently in North Vancouver featuring folks suffering mental illness. I was totally overwhelmed by the beauty and inspiration. And in talking with the artists after my talk, I was struck by the clarity and peace in their mood. The opportunity to be open, free from stigma, and appreciated as creative souls was just so evident. A big shout-out to the good people at Canadian Mental Health.
So, a loving and accepting social environment, lots of vigorous exercise, and the freedom to express artistically: these are essential components for a happy life.
Editor’s note: Hugh Macaulay is vice president of the Arrowhead Clubhouse Society board of directors. He writes monthly about mental health issues with a focus on the Sunshine Coast.
