“Patient care is not limited to the crisis. » Nor to medications. Bouchra Lanoue, senior manager at the mental health center at Romorantin hospital, knows the importance of movement and physical activity in psychiatry. An impact which was at the heart of the day dedicated to mental health (1) this Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Fabrique Normant. There, the psychiatric and child psychiatry patients of the hospital center, mixed with the general public, were spoiled for choice between line dancing, badminton, various games, etc.
At the mental health center of the hospital center, a full-time nurse is dedicated to physical and sporting activity. It organizes physical activity workshops adapted to patients: aquatherapy (swimming pool), rugby, football or even pétanque outings, etc. “We do not cut the link [des patients] with the rest of society”souligne Bouchra Lanoue.
“We do not cut the link with the rest of society”
Great national cause 2025, mental health concerns everyone, as the public was able to better understand this Thursday. “Mental health is an integral part of health itself. Movement helps you manage stress. This concerns everyone”comments Catherine Orth, municipal councilor responsible for social assistance.
Art workshops are also a valuable support for mental health.
© Photo NR, Pierre Calmeilles
The mental health center day hospital is carrying out two major projects around modern dance and equine therapy, which uses horses to help people in suffering. “It works, to the extent that the patient positions himself as a caregiver. He takes care of the horse. He touches it, takes care of it, shows empathy. So many elements that we will look for in the patient to realize not only their disorders but to know how to manage them”continues Bouchra Lanoue.
To guide the patient to a particular workshop, “Consent is always sought. It will also depend on the pathology”specifies the senior health executive. Beyond that, through these activities – sporting or more artistic – and these outings, the patient becomes an actor. “It is also about breaking social isolation, concludes Bouchra Lanoue. The patient says to himself: “If I want to take care of my health [mentale]I must act. It’s me who leads.” »
(1) Organized by the hospital center and the municipal social action center.
A music workshop during mental health day, this Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Romorantin.
© Photo NR, Pierre Calmeilles
