Get Moving for Better Mental Health
Recreational therapy can help you reach your goals
The research is conclusive: physical activity has benefits both physically and mentally. “Physical activity may play a central role in mood regulation and can help improve your health and quality of life. Not getting enough physical activity can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancers and mental health disorders.” (NIH Research Matters, January 15, 2019)
At Lakeside Behavioral Health, we take your overall health seriously, which is why we offer recreational therapy as an integral part of treatment.
Maria Murry, Lakeside’s recreational therapy manager, says that she sees a difference every day in those who are engaged in recreational therapy. “Individuals have the opportunity to take advantage of our beautiful, 37-acre campus to help them regain a healthy balance in their lives,” she says. “I love working as a recreational therapist because it gives me an opportunity to help our patients get back to being themselves. We just help them get there.”
According to the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, recreational therapy is a service used to “restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.”
Lakeside Behavioral Health offers equine therapy, swimming and access to our lake with opportunities for walking and fishing to help individuals connect with nature. We develop treatment plans that are tailored to the abilities and interests of the individual. “We know that play can be therapeutic and instrumental in recovery,” Murry says.
Recreational therapy is different from other therapies in that it focuses on self-confidence, self-care and quality of life. Murry believes that anyone who is struggling with a mental health condition needs to take a holistic approach to getting better, focusing on both their mind and body.
With many different offerings and a compassionate, caring staff, Lakeside can be your partner in a long-lasting recovery. Visit our website at lakesidebhs.com to learn more.