This webinar was presented by Margaret Swarbrick, Ph.D., senior consultant for the Program to Achieve Wellness. It examines developing wellness programs to engage people who have mental and substance use disorders in their health and recovery. The webinar provides valuable information for care providers and community-based organizations.

Wellness is a multi-dimensional concept, and deficits in some dimensions of wellness will affect others. For instance, poor physical health may negatively impact financial wellness, emotional wellness, occupational wellness, and even social wellness. If people are unwell, they may not be able to go to work, may have a poor mood, and maybe less able to engage in social or recreational activities. Because the eight dimensions of wellness are interrelated, wellness programs must be all-encompassing to be effective.

Wellness programs are a way to promote improved wellness among community members with behavioral health conditions. These programs encourage healthier practices and behaviors around the eight dimensions of wellness, promoting overall well-being and enhancing an individual’s quality of life. Programs can be offered in the community, where people with mental and substance use disorders receive services or care. They might be general or specific in their approaches to wellness, as efforts to improve health in one area will have a positive influence on other areas. For instance, a program designed to promote walking can enhance emotional wellness, financial wellness, physical wellness, and even social wellness (see theWalking For Health fact sheet for more information). In this way, appreciating the interconnectedness of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness allows wellness programs to assist their clients with a variety of methods effectively.

This webinar is part one of a two-part series. Watch part two.

This resource was first shared in 2017.

(Presentation, YouTube)