Mental health articles

 The psychological and physical benefits of remaining fit and active are well known and are therefore reflected in the choice of interventions for mental health service users. The range of sports used by mental health practitioners includes swimming, football, badminton, snooker, volley ball and air hockey. Increasingly, these activities when undertaken in an acute setting are linked to groups undertaken in local community facilities in order to promote social inclusion. The choice of activity will depend upon the desired therapeutic outcome. Team sports might encourage cooperation, tolerance, sharing, interaction and leadership skills. Games that include quizzes, board games and drama-type activities can also be used to encourage interaction and the use of cognitive skills. Any game or sport can provide the therapeutic experiences as indicated but can also give opportunities for enjoyment and the possibility of development as a leisure interest.

Tags: recreational games