Wellness Tools. Transition Age Youth Institute

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1 Wellness Tools Transition Age Youth Institute October 2, 2015 Deborah Faust/ Director of Family Wellness & Suicide Prevention and Co- Director of Building Connections The Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.

2 Wellness Tools Wellness tools are what an individual uses to keep themselves in the best shape mentally, physically and spiritually. Wellness tools aid individuals in becoming self-directed and developing advocacy skills. Peer support is a wellness tool because it offers support that is respectful of an individual s self-determination.

3 First Let s Define Wellness Surprisingly, there is no definition of wellness that seems to be universally accepted. Well-ness (wel-nis) noun, quality or state of being, healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. Living well demands accurate information about wholeperson wellness.

4 The Unique Aspects of Our Well-Being For individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders, the absence of illness is only one part of being healthy, and it does not indicate whether you are in a state of well-being. Wellness is a positive approach to living and emphasizes the whole person. It is the integration of the body, mind and spirit; and the appreciation that everything you do, think, feel, and believe has an impact on your health.

5 SAMHSA s 8 Dimensions of Wellness

6 Learning to become mindful about our wellness journey

7 Practicing Mindfulness? Though it has its roots in Buddhist meditation, the National Institute of Mental Health dedicated to research is getting serious about investigating mindfulness as a complementary treatment for a range of mental health conditions. Mindfulness means maintaining awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment without judgment. Our thoughts tune into what we re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. Studies have found mindfulness increase positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress.

8 Achieving & Maintaining Wellness Being well involves a deliberate effort in taking responsibility for our wellbeing. The courage to explore what really defines our unique path to wellness Continually learning and making changes that enhance our state of wellness Healthy relationships increase our chances for achieving and maintaining our well-being, because our wellness is not in isolation of others. Nutrition, exercise, whether or not we smoke or drink or take drugs, and how we cope with stress play an important role on our physical and mental well-being.

9 Wellness Tools Wellness tools build a strong foundation for achieving and maintaining wellness. Examples of Wellness tools include; exercise, music, sports, hobbies, our pets, supportive family or friends, eight hours of sleep, good healthy food, sunlight and humor of course.

10 WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) is an evidenced based wellness tool that results in significant life enhancement, gains in selfesteem and self- confidence while incorporating the daily practice of mindfulness. WRAP is a Wellness Tool that incorporates various dimensions of wellness. WRAP includes practicing mindfulness and allowing us to become active participants in our own health and well-being while designing unique action plans for achieving and maintaining our well-being.

11 WRAP If we keep an objective record of the things that go well, then when bad things happen, we will not see them as being representative of our entire life. Powering up positivity builds resiliency, and resiliency empowers us to better roll with the punches when stress and adversity come calling. Bounce Back by Robin L. Flanigan

12 The Sections & Key Concepts of WRAP Sections of WRAP include; Wellness Toolbox Daily Maintenance Plan Triggers and & Action Plan Early Warning Signs & Action Plan When Things are Breaking Down & Action Plan Key Concepts of WRAP include; Hope Personal responsibility Education Self Advocacy Support Crisis Planning & Post Crisis Plan

13 WRAP WRAP does not utilize the medical model nor is it a replacement for other therapies, but it can compliment other therapies and treatment. WRAP is based on self-determination, it opens doors for someone but does not dictate their path. WRAP has been modified to help Veterans, Adolescents, Kid s, and Individual s with Developmental Distinctions, Substance Use, Trauma and a Family WRAP. Everyone benefits from becoming mindful about what defines their well-being. visit

14 A Daily Maintenance Plan The Daily Maintenance Plan in WRAP is the foundation for achieving and maintaining health & well-being. Listing what we need daily to feel our best and becoming mindful of what is on that list makes WRAP a life changing agent. You are probably doing many things on that list already without realizing it. Individuals design their own WRAP and it becomes their unique wellness tool.

15 Engagement & Support Young adults struggling with mental health and substance use disorders may require individualized care paths and since achieving wellness is never in isolation of others, engaging the individuals identified supporters and providing educational information and support is vital. There is a Family Wrap available for those families that want to do a WRAP plan together.

16 Remember! Mental health is fundamental to our overall health and productivity. It is the basis for successful contributions to family, community and society, and throughout our lifespan, mental health is the wellspring of our thinking, communication skills, learning, resilience and most important self- esteem.

17 Contact Information Deborah Faust/ Director of Family Wellness & Suicide Prevention Co-Director of Building Connections Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator Youth, Adult & Public Safety Mental Health First Aid Instructor Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. 194 Washington Ave. Albany NY x 221 Dfaust@mhanys.org