Simon Bradstreet | SRN Director

Our new visionOur vision

A Scotland where mental health recovery is a reality for all

SRN Strategic Plan 2012-16Our goals:Raise awareness of recoveryEncourage empowermentDevelop the evidence baseInfluence policy and practice

What is recoveryUnique experience with common themesHope, belief and identityEmpowerment and controlMeaning, purpose and opportunityRelationships Often a process rather than an eventNot necessarily easy but possible

Food and mental healthFood and mood?Five fruit and veg for the mind?Biochemistry cause or cure?

Food and recovery

Ive also discovered that I quite enjoy cooking so its not like Im having fish and chips every night, Im eating food prepared with basic ingredients and Im very physically fit compared to what I used to be.

I try to have a good balance in all I do these days. That includes a healthy food regime. I really don't think I would be this health conscious if I hadn't encountered mental illness.

What recovery stories tell usFood is important for recoveryPeople described Changing behavioursPart of planning wellnessNegative impact of junk foodStructure and skillsConnections and communityKnock on effects

Food and recoveryI began treating my mind and body with respect and sticking to a healthy routine. I cut out most of the junk food I had been eating for convenience and comfort and as a result I lost a bit of weight. This helped my self-esteem, made me feel more energised, and helped to lift my mood. The extra energy made it easier to exercise and I started swimming and going to exercise classes. I also began to enjoy walking my dogs... I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air and lovely views. As a result, I managed to get into a good sleep pattern which is very important for me

Great event but...Second time at this venue - same problem both times. What happened to plain cheese or ham sandwiches?

Could they have hot food and maybe a selection of meat stews and curry and rice..... Nice cakes and biscuits for our coffee?

Find out moreWeb: www.scottishrecovery.net Email: simon@scottishrecovery.netTwitter: @SimonSRN

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