Wellness Tools Children’s Mental Health Services Staff Development Training Forum December 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.

About half of Americans will experience a mental health concern at some point in their lives, and most will originate in childhood.

More than half of youth who abuse substances also have a mental health diagnosis. There is evidence that childhood mental illness increases the risk for later substance abuse. The question often asked is, which comes first mental illness or substance use? Regardless of the answer the majority of both types of problems typically begin in childhood or adolescence.

A different way to think about wellness The critical needs of children and youth with mental health and substance use disorders call for new ideas and responses. A new perspective must include;  Attention to wellness in addition to illness  Mental and physical wellness seen as inseparable  Wellness is more than the absence of illness  Wellness is a resource  Our wellness is never in isolation of others

Wellness as a Resource Some scholars propose thinking of wellness as a resource as we do in the case of other kinds of resources (energy, technology, money, etc.) Thinking of wellness as a resource, or capacity to thrive, rather than merely as the absence of disease, also helps explain how the same individual can be simultaneously both not ill and struggling.

Wellness as a Resource To promote wellness, we need to understand how we get it, and how we spend it.  Wellness can be thought of as a bank account, wellness increases as we make deposits into the account, and it decreases with each withdrawal made in order to achieve goals and adapt to challenges.

Whole Person Wellness For youth to realize their potential it will requires two major changes in how we think about our well-being.  A shift from focusing on (mental) illness and disorders, to a more comprehensive view of well-being.  A shift from treating wellness as an exclusively individual concern, to promoting wellness as a community goal.

The Unique Aspects of Our Well-Being For youth 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 overall well-being.

SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness Tools  Wellness tools are what an individual uses to keep themselves in the best shape mentally, physically and spiritually.  Wellness tools aid youth 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.

A Daily Maintenance Plan is a Wellness Tool

Wellness Tools  Additional 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.

Learning to become mindful about what we need to live well.

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.

Tips For Achieving & Maintaining Wellness  Being well involves a deliberate effort in taking responsibility for our well-being.  The courage to explore what really defines our unique path to wellness  Continually learning and making changes that enhance our state of wellness  Participating in healthy relationships because our wellness is never in isolation of others.  Nutrition, exercise, whether or not we smoke, drink or take drugs, and how we cope with stress play an important role on our physical and mental well-being.

WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) is an evidenced based 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. A Wellness Tool Wellness & Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

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  Crisis Planning & Post Crisis Plan Key Concepts of WRAP include;  Hope  Personal responsibility  Education  Self Advocacy  Support

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

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.

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