We all know that swimming improves our moods and helps keep us healthy. Well, I noticed that when our son was ill, swimming improved his quality of life. He felt good, he interacted with the other swimmers, was out in the sun, and in general, smiled more often.
Unfortunately, exercise is not sufficiently recognized by mainstream mental health services as an effective intervention treatment in the program of mental health. There has been evidence to suggest that exercise may be a neglected intervention. Most suburbs have swimming pools so why not build another one for each large psychiatric hospital? I am sure that if I suggest it I will hear; ‘Where do you think we’ll raise that kind of money?’ But it can be done. I am in favor of doing anything to improve the quality of life of people with brain illnesses in particular. Part of the psysiotherapy of people with handicaps is done in pools; so please let’s rethink this important subject.
