Mental health problems are increasingly becoming a major concern across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety disorders are the leading causes of disability worldwide.

These conditions can result in severe impairment of a person’s physical and emotional capabilities, making it difficult for them to perform daily activities.

Fortunately, psychiatric treatment is available to help those affected by these conditions.

However, many patients undergoing psychiatric treatment experience mobility issues that can limit their movement, making it an additional challenge to cope with mental health challenges. This article explores the challenges faced by psychiatric patients struggling to maintain mobility during the course of their treatment.

The Importance of Mobility

For psychiatric patients, mobility is crucial, especially when they are receiving inpatient treatment. Being mobile allows them to interact with other people, participate in group therapy sessions and engage in physical activities such as exercise.

Also, mobility is critical in aiding recovery by enhancing physical performance, increasing cognitive function, and improving mood.

However, psychiatric illnesses can result in various mobility challenges that can impact an individual’s ability to participate in physical activities during treatment. Some of these challenges include:.

Physical weakness: Mental illness can cause physical weakness, leading to difficulty in walking, standing, or even sitting up on a bed.
Stupor: This is characterized by a state of unresponsiveness and can prevent a patient from being able to move voluntarily.
Catatonia: This is a condition characterized by a person’s inability to move spontaneously and may require hospitalization.
Agitation: This is a symptom of some psychiatric conditions that can lead to the inability to sit still, making mobility an additional challenge.

Mobility Limitations in Inpatient Psychiatry

People undergoing psychiatric treatment in inpatient facilities usually spend a considerable amount of time in bed, particularly in the early phases of treatment.

While this may be necessary, it can also limit mobility and reduce opportunities for social interaction.

Additionally, medications used to manage certain psychiatric conditions, such as antipsychotics, can cause side effects that affect a patient’s mobility.

These side effects may include drowsiness, stiffness, tremors and muscle rigidity – all of which can limit mobility.

Moreover, the use of restraint in psychiatric treatment facilities is common and can limit movement for patients depending on the type of restraint used.

For example, wrist or ankle restraints may limit the ability of patients to get up and move around.

All of these factors make it a challenge for inpatient psychiatric patients to maintain mobility levels while undergoing treatment.

Mobility Limitations in Outpatient Psychiatry

For outpatient psychiatric patients, mobility limitations can also be a challenge during the course of their treatment.

Patients receiving care in community-based mental health centers may struggle to participate in physical activities due to transportation challenges, financial constraints or social restrictions.

Additionally, for people living with a severe mental illness like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, challenges with self-care, hygiene, and disorganized thinking can make it difficult to maintain their mobility and engage in outdoor activities.

Some patients may also face the stigma associated with mental illness and may find it hard to socialize and participate in community activities that require mobility.

Improving Mobility in Psychiatric Treatment

There are several ways to enhance mobility for psychiatric patients undergoing treatment.

Exercise: Exercise is an excellent way of improving mobility levels, especially for inpatients receiving psychiatric treatment. Facilities should encourage physical activity by creating structured activities such as group sports, yoga, and other physical exercise programs.
Social Activities: Encouraging social activities such as outings, group meetings, and social events can boost the morale of patients undergoing treatment, increase their self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy interventions designed to promote improved mental and physical functioning can help patients enhance their mobility levels.
Transport: Outpatient psychiatric patients may experience mobility issues related to transportation challenges. Community health care centers should consider ways in which they can assist with transport for patients who require it to attend appointments.

Conclusion

The challenges of psychiatric patients struggling with mobility issues underscore the importance of considering the social and physical wellbeing of patients undergoing psychiatric treatment.

By improving mobility levels, patients will feel less isolated, more engaged with their treatment, and empowered to regain control of their lives. It is essential, therefore, for healthcare practitioners to be mindful of these challenges and work towards creating supportive treatment environments that help psychiatric patients maintain their mobility and achieve positive treatment outcomes.