My motivation for joining the study was that I was working for over a year with a psychiatrist and for longer with a good therapist, and while I saw great improvement in my mood, I still wasn't where I wanted to be.  Using therapy and medication just didn't seem to be enough.  My psychiatrist suggested the study and I felt that it could be an important part of my treatment and overall wellness to incorporate your studies practices. It turned out that the study really helped me to get over the hump and now things are going really well for me!       ~ CC

I have already lost weight.  My mood is more upbeat.  I have more patience, and I'm consistently more in the "present," more self-aware, less anxious and physically tense, and I am developing a new appreciation of the taste of food. I feel very strongly that the "mindful eating meditation" is integral to success with changing eating habits.  It slows everything down, maintains awareness, enhances the appreciation of food, and interestingly, when done appropriately it cuts down the amount of food I even want completely outside of my conscious awareness.     ~ DH, Psychiatrist

The Mindful Meal Meditation helped me learn to slow down and enjoy what I was eating. Having water with my meal helped me to get that full feeling and after just a few meal meditations, I started to realize that I was actually getting that full feeling while I was eating and I didn't seem to eat as much. No longer was I rushing through meals or eating just because I was bored.      ~ KV

I would say that in terms of pointing me in the direction of life change, it helped me very much. Before, the pieces to WILD 5 were very good ideas. Now they are something that I do consciously and I am aware of the impact, say of maintaining connections, on my life in general.  I plan to make it a life style rather than just a program I did once.      ~ LD

I would say this is a life changer. I've never been more content. Life is not a bed of roses but what you learn thru this program will help you deal with the bad times. I am not giving anyone or anything the power to derail me as they have done in the past!!      ~ SJ

The HERO Exercises helped me refocus my thoughts and find positive things in my life to focus on rather than negative thoughts that filled my mind more often before WILD 5. Before I started the program I had a difficult time finding the positive in my day, but now I see the positive things in my life and feel more thankful for what I have and the people I have in my life.     ~ KV

Incorporation of the 5 wellness practices has enhanced my life!  I never thought I could get away from napping on the weekends, but it has become a reality! I also have more mental clarity and energy as a result of the 5 wellness practices combined. Each new day provides more promise and excitement than before I began the program. In addition to providing you with a greater amount of control over your overall wellness, you will experience benefits you never thought possible!      ~ AC

​This was a wonderful and enlightening experience as I balanced all five elements of wellness practices that were already a part of my life. Our culture is at new heights of stress and sleep problems. Little did I know how internet modem lights flashing my direction all night while I tried to sleep could play such a role in my poor sleep quality. What a revelation that the world needs to hear!!      ~ CZ

​Every breath, every day, a new day full of hope, good life, and wellness for the future. Wellness is achievable. Don't quit, even if you have lost a loved one, your job, or your health. WILD 5 will revitalize you to lovely wellness and wellbeing! A million thanks for the privilege, encouragement, support, & comfort you provided.      ~ CB

I liked to partner this with Weight Watchers because this program helped me track all the components that are important to wellness. It solidifies what Weight Watchers is trying to do. It has all five components, which is good. This is more structured.     ~ JN

The WILD 5 Workbook helped me keep track of the five program expectations and every day I logged what I did and this made me more accountable for my actions. I was more aware of what I was doing throughout the day and this helped me to become a healthy person - Mind, Body, and Soul.     ~ KV

People want to be as healthy as they can be and appreciate balanced guidance on as to how to accomplish this. WILD 5 Wellness offers a plan to incorporate habits of nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, social connectedness and sleep.  Attention to these aspects of one’s life significantly promotes optimal health in mind, body and spirit. The opportunity to offer this program of wellness to my patients has allowed me to see success in ways that have surprised me at times.  It has been a pleasure to see my patients benefit significantly.  I tried the program myself and I feel well also!       

~ Nancy Daniels, PMHCS, RN

   Psychiatric Clinical Specialist

As a provider working in pain management, I often find that it is difficult for a patient to feel that they have any control of their life. Often they feel that they cannot do anything because of the pain and there is nothing they can do about it. Even though patients were reluctant to start the program due to fears of pain or being unable to succeed, those did the WILD 5 Wellness Program showed significant improvement in mood and functioning. The main improvement that I saw was that they felt in charge of their lives again and they had hope.  

~ Amy Gonzales, PA-C

  Physician Assistant

The WILD 5 Wellness Study taught me that I was underestimating what my patients were capable of achieving. The study provided the structure and support to help patients that previously that had previously stayed in bed all day start walking, socializing, eating healthy, meditating and sleeping better.  No matter how severe or mild their depression and anxiety symptoms were, all patients experienced significant improvement, with most having at least a 50% reduction in symptoms. One patient that stands out is a 74 year old woman who had been severely depressed and bedridden for many years whose PHQ-9 Depression scores decreased by 70%. Now, 11-months post-study she continues exercise and maintain a healthy diet. The WILD 5 wellness interventions are effective and empowering to patients. The benefits of these interventions are profound and can be long-lasting     

~ Suzanne Grantham, PMHNP

   Psychiatric Mental Health   Nurse Practitioner

I have had so much fun surprising my patients with the WILD 5.  I think of it when there is a lot of anxiety, a lot of rumination, a point where the next medication doesn’t seem likely to be any better than the last, a point where the person is failing to achieve the exercise or activities that should be helping.  I think a key part of the magic is the interaction - it’s great for patients to be a part of a project, and have the interaction with Saundra. I’ve had so many smiles from my patients who have participated. 

~ Joe Simpson, M.D.

   Psychiatrist

WILD 5 is a wonderful resource for my patients. It is simple and is easy to follow. The positive changes that patients are able to make are amazing. My patients not only have improvements in mood, anxiety, sleep, and general wellness but also have an overall sense of self-control. That is, that they feel responsible for the changes the make, and they carry those changes with them over time. I recommend the program to everyone so much so that I did it myself!

~ Janice Veenhuizen, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.

   Psychiatrist