Coastal recreation set against the rugged beauty of Nova Scotia’s LaHave Islands is enhancing the mental health and well-being of young women living with mental illness.
“When I get outdoors and exercise, I feel better physically and mentally,” says one participant. “I feel really comfortable here. I feel safe. I feel well. I’m grateful that I have people I can connect with.”
Funded by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the BlueMind Coastal Wellness Project is a series of day trips supporting young women recovering from early psychosis. Early psychosis refers to the first time a person experiences a break from reality characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. While psychoses are serious disorders, with early detection and treatment recovery is probable and recreation therapy programs like this one provide much-needed support and healing.
“As someone who has experienced early psychosis and hospitalization, we sometimes feel nervous about how much we can do and whether we will really be able to handle returning to everyday stressors of relationships, school, and work,” says Sarah Hrdlicka, BlueMind Coastal Wellness Guide. “Through embracing the micro-challenges of an outdoor coastal adventure, participants can regain self-confidence, regain energy levels, and learn new strategies for self-care.”
Inspired by the transformative power of wilderness experiences paired with yoga and meditation, Sarah Hrdlicka and Scott McCormack co-founded Cape LaHave Adventures. Together, they have built a company specializing in outdoor experiences that’s become a valuable mental health resource for Nova Scotians. Three years ago, they launched Swany’s Challenge in memory of Jonathan David Cosman. The multi-day therapeutic wilderness paddling expedition helps male-identified youth living with addiction reconnect with themselves and nature while bonding with others who share similar life challenges. The program is offered annually in partnership with Free-Range Therapy.
“There is a growing body of evidence that highlights improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes for youth when services are offered using adventure-based therapy programming principles. This project aims to meet this social imperative through evidence-based therapy principles that truly engage and support our youth,” says Nick Cardone, Counsellor and Owner of Free-Range Therapy.
Participants in these recreation therapy programs experience numerous mental health benefits. The guided excursions promote physical activity while building self-esteem in a relaxing, outdoor environment. They gain confidence in their abilities and learn healthy coping techniques including yoga, meditation, and journaling. Perhaps most importantly, they build supportive relationships with peers with similar lived experiences combating the stigma and isolation that often accompanies early psychosis.
“We had a young woman join our program who was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. On the first day kayaking together she was withdrawn from the group and struggled with self-care. By the end of the program, she was able to communicate her needs and was comfortable participating in discussions. She reported feeling better after our outdoor adventures together, feeling relaxed and experiencing a greater sense of well-being throughout the program.”
The BlueMind Coastal Wellness Project is currently adapting its program to incorporate winter-friendly outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skating, hiking, and/or cross-country skiing. If you or a woman you know is experiencing early psychosis and would like to learn more, contact us directly at info@mentalhealthns.ca.