DYSTHYMIA REHABILITATION
                          
finding happiness 

Through my primary research I learned how different aspects of Dysthymia affect different people.

 

My first interview with a student counselor helped me understand Dysthymia from a professional point of view and find out what alternative treatments can be recommended to patients apart from medication.

The counselor emphasizes on being active in order to reduce symptoms. She also talks about the importance of nature and exercise for one's mental well-being. I found this interesting as it helped me focus my research on these alternative methods.

 

My interview with the patients of Dysthymia gave me a closer perspective on their struggles. Their main struggles included feelings of isolation, health issues and difficulty in focusing. 

 

When asked what activities or spaces improved their mood, the patients emphasized on open and green spaces, exercise, dance, drama and being outdoors as methods that helped them in the recovery process.

 

This helped me narrow down my research to finding treatment methods that would include nature, exercise and art therapy.

 

Furthermore when asked about what facilities they would like in a rehab center for Dysthymia patients, these were the main ideas:

 

Colorful and open spaces with more windows

 

Inclusion of outdoor activities involving nature

 

Activities such as dancing, drama, swimming

 

A library for reading and watching movies

 

These gave me a general idea of what patients would expect in a Rehabilitation Centre for Dysthymia.

 

Through my interviews I have been able to focus my research. It helped me understand what are the main symptoms and problems faced by patients. This would help me in my final design, keeping in mind the inputs provided by the professional as well as the patients.