People with psychosis took over a research project and now lead physical exercise for other psychosis sufferers.
Gustaf is one of those with psychosis who is now warming up for others with psychosis at Serafen, right next to the city hall in Stockholm. Bench press, leg press and dumbbells are available for use at various stations.
A psychosis can, for example, mean that you hear voices or have delusions.
Coach colleague Cecilia knows that she can be a role model for other patients.
–Yes, I think it can be positive. If I was more ill, I would feel that you can look ahead in time that you can feel better, she says.
The staff has helped by calling around every week and asking the participants if they can come. But otherwise it is only a time, a place and training equipment that has been needed.
During the pandemic has moved outside. Yvonne Forsell, professor of psychiatry at Karolinska Institutet, was involved in starting research on physics training and psychosis. She talks about why exercise is important.
– We saw that even though you were 20, you had fitness like an 80-year-old.
The researchers were able to show that fitness training led to increased speed and improved attention. But Gustaf, who took over the training, is also experiencing other improvements.
– I get to let go of a lot of thoughts and I get away with things that take too much time and maybe inhibit me in everyday life.
Source: ICELAND NEWS