Looking after your physical health and creating change in life can be challenging.
But more and more people who live with mental illness are proving that with the right support and information they can control smoking, manage alcohol, eat well and lose weight and be more physically active.
These champions share their success stories.
Jane's story
Jane lives with Scheuermann’s Disease (curvature of the upper back) and an under active thyroid gland which has caused her to gain weight.
She was treated with medication, but her correct dietary and exercise requirements were not addressed. Jane's peer supporter took her to a specialist centre. Initially she needed support to attend but after lots of encouragement, she attends three times a week on her own.
Kaye's story
The challenge for Kay was to stop drinking. She had suffered from depression which had built up over the years.
She would indulge in binges which would last for a week or more. The final one left her with a blood alcohol treading for .475 – doctors said she should be dead. She recognised that until you accept you have a problem you can’t do anything about it. She started on the road to recovery. It was a long journey.
Thomas's story
Thomas had tried to give up smoking a number of times but it hadn’t worked because he wasn’t committed to quit.
When a colleague died from cancer, he and others at his workplace committed to giving up. They put their names on a noticeboard and chalked up how many days they had not had a cigarette. They would take breaks together and, instead of going downstairs for a smoke, they got together in the staff room for a glass of water or a coffee and talked.
Carolyn's story
Carolyn had an excess weight problem, due to a severe and chronic mental illness and medications.
She realised that if she didn’t do something about it, not only was she going to have to live with a serious mental illness, she could be heading for a future of serious physical health problems. She started going to GROW and they taught her one of their wisdoms “You alone can do it, but you can’t do it alone”.
Derek's story
Peer recovery worker Derek knows first-hand the feelings of despair and hopelessness that can come with mental
illness.
He believes this personal experience with mental illness is the key to building the trust and rapport. Derek has been a HealthRight Peer Recovery Worker for nearly two years and in that time he has helped more than many people to work towards their physical health goals on their road to recovery from their illness.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
