A Qualitative Study Exploring Facilitators for Improved Health Behaviors and Health Behavior Programs: Mental Health Service Users’ Perspectives

Table 2

Participants’ identified facilitators of healthy lifestyles.

Theme	Exemplary quote(s)
Facilitators
Empowerment, self-value, and personal growth	“Knowing that I can make a difference in somebody else’s life is important…for me that is motivational,” “Being able to jump in, fail, succeed, discover,” “something by which you can change and grow, some programs, it’s the same every week, which isn’t good,”
Social support	“Some form of exercise certainly helps if you have a partner or a few partners, somebody to support you,” “I think being part of a group is motivational for me, you’re more accountable that way,” “walking in a group, you have the support and strength from your peers rather than being intimidated or anxious with strangers on the street. That coward mentality of finding an isolated, scared person, head hanging down, that’s a mark (for them) but those cowards aren’t going to intimidate a group,”
Motivation and planning	“Making a schedule for myself. Having things sort of organized, because if I don’t I’m a scatter-brain and I don’t get anything done,” “if you have a goal, not necessarily a big goal even getting out the door sometimes is a really big step,”
Access	“I would love to see exercise programs brought here…then we’re not dragging people all over.”