About SAMHSA’s Wellness Efforts
Why Wellness Matters
People with mental and substance use disorders die decades earlier than the general population, mostly due to preventable medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular, respiratory, or infectious diseases (including HIV).
Higher risk factors are due to:
- High rates of smoking, substance use, obesity, and “unsafe” sexual practice;
- Poverty, social isolation, trauma, and incarceration;
- A lack of coordination between behavioral and primary health care providers;
- Discrimination;
- Side effects from psychotropic medications; and
- An overall lack of access to quality, culturally appropriate health care services.
Vision
A future in which people with mental and substance use disorders pursue optimal health, happiness, recovery, and a full and satisfying life in the community via access to a range of effective services, supports, and resources.
Nearly 3,000 organizations and individuals have expressed their commitment by signing the Pledge for Wellness, and the effort is guided by a multidisciplinary Steering Committee representing consumers, providers, and researchers.
Mark Your Calendars: National Wellness Week (September 19-25, 2011)
As part of National Recovery Month, SAMHSA will launch the first National Wellness Week from September 19-25, 2011 to promote the many ways wellness can improve quality of life and increase life expectancy for people with mental and substance use disorders. See the map of wellness activities.
During National Wellness Week, we aim to inspire individuals to improve one physical health behavior, while exploring their talents, skills, interests, social connections, and environment to incorporate other dimensions of wellness. We will mobilize peer-run, faith-based and other community organizations, as well as behavioral health and primary care providers to host events or promote messages encouraging the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
Stay tuned for more information about National Wellness Week by signing the Pledge for Wellness.
Set Your Watch for the Line Dance for Wellness — 10:10 a.m. or 10:10 p.m. on September 23!
Line dancing spans generations and cultures, while creating solidarity through repetitive motion. At 10:10 a.m. and 10:10 p.m. on Friday, September 23, thousands of people across the country will get up and show their pledge for wellness through line dance. We will spread the word about this moment through viral promotion strategies (i.e., media, social media), partner channels, and in ongoing communications with our target audiences. Many community organizations, such as peer-run, faith-based, or other organizations will take it a step further and host Line Dance for Wellness Parties to bring critical mass to and support for this cause.
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness2
Wellness means overall well-being. It incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person's life. Each aspect of wellness can affect overall quality of life, so it is important to consider all aspects of health. This is especially important for people with mental and substance use disorders because wellness directly relates to the quality and longevity of your life.
Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
Financial–Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual —Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods and sleep
Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
Spiritual—Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life
1Dunn, H.L. (1977). What high level wellness means. Health Values 1(1), 9-16.
2Swarbrick, M. (2006). A wellness approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29,(4) 311- 314.