Severe and persistent mental illness can contribute to a sense of isolation. Adults with serious mental illness often receive structured, goal-oriented treatment for mental illness, but opportunities to participate in social and recreational activities are limited due to stigma or the need for structure and supervision. Leisure activities provide an opportunity for life enrichment. To experience a satisfying and fulfilling life, individuals with serious and persistent mental illness must have leisure and interests addressed alongside clinical treatment.
Community-based outings and trips provide invaluable benefits for adults with serious mental illness. These activities foster a sense of belonging and connection, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. By engaging in community life, individuals can build social skills, enhance their self-esteem, and experience joy and fulfillment. Additionally, these outings offer opportunities for personal growth, independence, and the development of meaningful relationships, all of which contribute to overall mental well-being and a higher quality of life.
Trips and outings can lead to goal attainment, symptom management, and positive therapeutic outcomes. They give members a sense of purpose, empowerment, hope, and enjoyment, and opportunities to connect with others. Participating in social activities reduces anxiety and isolation, improves social and communication skills, reduces symptom impact, and enhances overall functioning and satisfaction, even reducing hospitalization rates.
At Birch Tree Communities, members are provided weekly opportunities to join community integration outings. Each branch plans trips to destinations in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Memphis, and Branson to visit theme parks, museums, libraries, concerts, and film festivals. Members are offered opportunities to attend and participate in local community events, county and state fairs, or go hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping.
Appropriate staff attend and participate in outings and activities with members. Staff are available to provide support, intervention, structure as needed, and a safe, enjoyable atmosphere, as well as assistance in managing and addressing member needs, medication and money issues, and crisis intervention as needed.
In addition to planned trips and outings, annual events are hosted to bring members from branches across the state together in fellowship and fun. Annual events include:
- Expressions Art Show
- Family and Friends Day
- Summer Formal
- Family Education Workshops
- Field Events Day
- Fundraisers
- Chili & Willie Cook-Off
Our members say:
- “Outings are excellent!”
- “I get to spend good time other members and make memories with other members.”
- "We have fun when we get to go out like a real vacation and do stuff we normally wouldn't do. It's a blast and allows us to build relationships with others as well."
- "The Jelly Roll concert was a blast and was a good, structured activity. It was recovery based and was so much fun to sing, laugh, and listen to some really good music."
- “Camping trips are a lot of fun, and we get out in fresh air. It allows us to go swimming, fishing, we eat a lot of s’mores, learn about things outside like making a fire or learning about the weather. Camping is a trip I look forward to every year."
Resources
Behavioral Health Integration: Treating the Whole Person. American Hospital Association. (2019).
Pahwa, R., Dougherty, R. J., Kelly, E., Davis, L., Smith, M. E., & Brekke, J. S. (2020). Is It Safe? Community integration for individuals with serious mental illnesses. Research on Social Work Practice.
Pols, J., & H., K. (2007). The Importance of Holiday Trips for People With Chronic Mental Health Problems. Psychiatric Services.
