When the previous treadmill inside the Tamborine Unit at The Park Centre for Mental Health, near Wacol, broke down from overuse, those residing in the 14-bed facility didn’t just lose a vital piece of exercise equipment.
For some inside the unit, the treadmill represented more than just a chance to maintain their fitness, it was also a place to gather their thoughts. But it needed replacing.
Some creative thinking, coupled with a heartfelt letter from a patient, helped bridge the gap to fund a replacement.
“One of our patients wrote a hand-written letter explaining how much the treadmill helped her and was a special tool for her to use when she was feeling anxious,” said Janet Tahal, Clinical Nurse Manager at the Tamborine Unit.
“Whenever she was upset or struggling to cope, she’d listen to her music and do some walking on the treadmill, and it really helped her to de-escalate and focus on her wellbeing.”That letter, along with a formal request for assistance, reached West Moreton Health Foundation – West Moreton Health’s philanthropic partner. The Foundation stepped in to fund the treadmill’s replacement, helping to get the equipment – and patients – up and running sooner.
Physical activity to boost mental health
Studies have shown that structured physical activity in mental health units can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in depression, while also improving patients’ physical health, engagement with care and overall recovery – without increasing the risk or financial burden on the system.
But for the residents of Tamborine Unit, the addition of the new treadmill has had a more personal impact.
“When people live with each other in such close proximity, it can get a bit exhausting at times,” Ms Tahal said.
“Some of our patients can also sometimes feel a little bit flat, so they’ll put on their headphones and jump on the treadmill, and it really helps to elevate their mood.”
While The Park Centre for Mental Health is home to a range of other recreational facilities, including supervised access to an on-site gym and tennis court, the location of the treadmill inside the Tamborine Unit allows patients to exercise at their own pace and in their own time.
Ms Tahal said it does more than just allow patients to work on their physical fitness – and in many cases counteract the weight-gain effects of medications – but also to regulate their emotions.
“For the patient who wrote the letter, she would escalate quickly and sometimes feel quite anxious because of her illness,” she said.
“She would hop on the treadmill and start to walk through and really process some of the anxiety she was feeling.
“It gave her the time and space to still be part of the unit, but on her own – and just work through some of her troubles and to problem-solve.”
West Moreton Health Foundation’s CEO, Scott Young, said that what may seem like a small donation of equipment can have a significant impact on those it affects.
“We are delighted to have helped Janet Tahal and her team at the Tamborine Unit secure a new treadmill for their patients, because we know how much of a positive impact exercise has on mental health,” he said.
“While the patient who initially wrote us a letter has since transitioned back into the community, her thoughtful request will allow those who arrive after her to continue to have a place to exercise inside the unit.”
