Running group strides to overcome mental illness

13^th annual Don River Run for Recovery: Sunday August 26 at 10 a.m. at CAMH's Brentcliffe Road site (175 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto)

For Immediate Release – August 20, 2007 (TORONTO) – In addition to the hundreds of people expected at this year’s Don River Run, one group of runners plans to support one another well beyond the finish line. Tom Allen formed PhACS (Physical Activity for Consumer/Survivors) four years ago for runners who have battled mental health issues to support one another while staying active and healthy.

Having struggled with mental illness in his own past, Tom found physical activity to be an outlet to help in his recovery and stay healthy. “Through my own experience, I saw how physical activity can really improve the health of those with mental health problems,” he said.

Much more than a running group, PhACS also acts as a social network and provides much-needed support for those with mental health issues.

Andreas Heiner is a testament to the positive effect physical activity combined with peer support can have. Anxiety coupled with bouts of depression left Andreas avoiding social situations for years, unable to sustain permanent employment, and during one episode of depression, unable to leave his home for two months. Andreas came to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) two years ago seeking treatment for social anxiety disorder and found that therapy helped him overcome patterns of negative thinking.

He soon learned that the far-reaching effects of mental illness can easily affect physical health as well. After years of isolation and inactivity due to social anxiety disorder, Andreas was diagnosed with diabetes.

“This was a real wake-up call for me and I decided that it was time to get active,” he said. After beginning to go on walks, Andreas found that being active made him feel better, both physically and mentally, and three years ago he joined PhACS. “At first I was shy and did not interact with many others in the group, but in time, they became my friends.” He said. “Not only does being part of PhACS keep me active, it also helps me face some of my anxiety problems and has helped improve my self esteem.”

Though Andreas still struggles with his anxiety, he has learned to better interact with others and has channeled his experience into hope. He now works for a consumer/survivor association, sharing his message of determination with others.

All proceeds from the Don River Run go towards the Fitness in Treatment Research and Advisory Panel (FITRAP) at CAMH, a multi-disciplinary body with the mandate of promoting improvements in physical fitness among all addiction and mental health clients at CAMH.

Media Contact: Michael Torres, CAMH Media Relations, (416) 595-6015

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The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is one of the leading addiction and mental health organizations in North America and Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Integrating clinical care, scientific research, education, policy development and health promotion, CAMH transforms the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues.