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Article Excerpt
The notion that we are a "supersized nation" has been offered as one of the many reasons why Americans are struggling with healthy nutrition and body weight. This idea suggests that bigger is better, and this is equated with satisfaction and satiety. I wonder if this notion, that bigger is better, also has invaded our perception of transforming mental healthcare.
I recently explained to some public health professionals the array of health-promotion services our recovery program at Boston University offers. At the end of my presentation, a psychiatrist remarked that our program was like the Mount Everest of recovery-oriented services that promote holistic health. That is, he was a hiker at the mountain's base looking up, feeling completely overwhelmed by the "supersized" changes that his system would need to effect changes in people's health. His comment struck me as it reflects what I believe happens on individual and system levels when we attempt to make health changes.
Every New Year's Day, many people proclaim new and renewed resolutions to live a healthier life. These proclamations often require major life transformations, and they quickly fall apart due to lack of skills, knowledge, support, time, financial resources, attitude, and motivation. The vision of a healthier life is seductive, even irresistible, but we often supersize our steps to attaining our goal of living well and living longer. I need to lose 25 pounds by March; I will run the Boston Marathon in April; I will quit smoking cold turkey on Tuesday--these are inspiring and hopeful goals, but often unattainable in such large chunks.
The same experience happens at the program and system levels. We rationalize that if we are to provide any type of health services or interventions, we...
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