The field of Therapeutic Recreation is incredibly vast. Recreation therapists have the ability to help folks from many different walks of life, with entirely different needs.
For instance, a recreation therapist could work with a 65-year-old stroke patient who has lost functioning on the left side of her body. While another Recreation Therapist could support a 6-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with Autism and struggling to engage with peers at school. I could go on with many more examples about the vastness of the field, but I think you get the idea.
No matter who or what population is receiving Therapeutic Recreation services, there is one recurring theme that appears. The need to utilize a mental health lens in order to understand the service receiver’s motivations and struggles and to truly meet people where they are.
What is a Mental Health Lens?
Although I don’t know if this is an actual term, I like to use it because it sets the stage for how we can approach people in work and life. Essentially, I consider a mental health lens to be one:
- That considers each person’s behaviors as a response to feelings and experiences only they truly understand.
- That understanding at any point in our lives, any one of us could experience something that leads to mental illness.
- That knowing that in order to have optimal physical health and well-being, we must also consider the person’s mental health and well-being.
Why does Mental Health Matter?
Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. It refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Having good mental health allows us to function effectively in our daily lives, cope with stress and maintain healthy relationships. Which is what makes life meaningful.
When we are struggling or experiencing poor mental health, on the other hand, can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including impaired thinking and decision-making, decreased productivity and functioning, strained relationships, and even physical health problems.
If you are not already sold on the importance of our mental health and how it impacts all of us, I have collected a few up-to-date points of data you may be interested in.
- According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a given year.
- American Psychological Association, 84% of adults reported feeling at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress, such as anxiety, sadness, or anger, due to the pandemic.
- According to the National Institute on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2020.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10-24 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mental Health Resources
I could write all day about the articles, books, podcasts, research, etc., I would recommend. But, for the sake of this blog post, I have categorized my recommended resources into three key categories: Mental Health Organizations, Mental Health Training, and Therapeutic Recreation & Mental Health Research. I do work and live in the USA, so please take that into consideration as you view these resources.
Mental Health Organizations:
The organizations listed below range from government-funded to higher-education programs. These are resources I turn to when I am looking to stay up to date on current research and best practice.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
- Mental Health America
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Positive Psychology Center
Mental Health Training:
Pursuing continued education is never a bad idea. It helps you to become a well-informed, confident practitioner. And dare I say, enjoy your work more. These are some of the training topics I have completed throughout my career that have helped me develop my current mental health lens.
- Mental Health First Aid
- Trauma Informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing – Foundational and Health Care
- Social Determinants of Health
- Foundations of Positive Psychology
Therapeutic Recreation & Mental Health Research
The exciting thing about being in the Therapeutic Recreation field right now is that we have amazing academics and professionals who are taking the time and great effort to conduct research. This not only helps to advance the field but allows us to ensure we are providing evidence-based interventions. Below are some of my recommended research articles.
- Community-Based Recreation Therapy and Mental Health Recovery: A Mixed-Media Participatory Action Research Study
- Community-Based Recreational Therapy for Veterans with Behavioral Health Disorders: Impacts on Quality of Life, Participation, and Happiness
- Family Leisure Among Families With a Child in Mental Health Treatment: Therapeutic Recreation Implications
- “There is Always Progress to Be Made” Reflective Narratives on Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation for Mental Health Support
- Recovery and Mental Health: Exploring the Basic Characteristics of Living Well with Mental Illness
Investing in mental health can lead to incredible benefits for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It can improve the quality of life for those experiencing mental health issues and promote greater equity and social justice. Recreation Therapists are well-positioned to be at the front lines of these efforts. With continued education and understanding, any Recreation Therapist working within any population can impact the overall state of mental health in our country and around the world.
Note – Mental Health is a topic I am extremely passionate about. If this blog post resonated with you and you would like more content like this, please let me know!
Comment below with Mental Health resources you would recommend for anyone in the field of Therapeutic Recreation.