SAMHSA Wellness Initiative Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Purpose of Initiative:
  • Help people with mental and/or substance use disorders live longer, healthier lives
  • Focus on eight dimensions of wellness connecting all aspects of behavioral health
  • Address early mortality from treatable and preventable conditions

Key Concepts of Wellness

1. Emotional Wellness

   • Listen to and express feelings to trusted people
   • Maintain a positive outlook on life

2. Financial Wellness

   • Understand personal finances
   • Establish good financial habits
   • Plan for the future

3. Social Wellness

   • Sense of belonging and support system
   • Make daily social connections
   • Seek advice from peers or support groups
   • Create healthy friendships

4. Spiritual Wellness

   • Enhance connection to self, nature, and others
   • Discover important personal values and beliefs

5. Occupational Wellness

   • Find satisfaction in passions through work, school, or volunteering

6. Physical Wellness

   • Increase activity levels
   • Ensure restful sleep
   • Choose healthy foods
   • Explore outdoors to manage stress and boost energy

7. Intellectual Wellness

   • Be a lifelong learner
   • Expand knowledge
   • Engage in creative activities
   • Be open to new ideas and wisdom

8. Environmental Wellness

   • Seek positive and calming environments
   • Find safe surroundings that promote physical and mental health

Vision and Goals

• Envision a future where:
  • All individuals pursue optimal health, happiness, recovery
  • People lead full and satisfying lives within the community
• Wellness is seen as an ongoing pursuit
  • Strive for small daily improvements for success

Additional Resources

• For more information and resources about wellness, visit: SAMHSA Wellness Initiative