Well-being as a core element of rehabilitation: preventing mental health challenges in a global context

Abstract

Rehabilitation for patients with chronic physical conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and fibromyalgia, is predominantly focused on physical recovery, often neglecting the affective and social dimensions crucial for comprehensive health outcomes. This oversight contributes to a significant mental health burden, with up to 40 % of rehabilitating patients experiencing depression or anxiety. This perspective article reviews evidence from social and affective neuroscience to highlight the urgent need to integrate well-being as a central component of rehabilitation. We propose a holistic rehabilitation model that includes psychological, affective, and social interventions alongside physical therapies. This model draws on existing studies demonstrating that emotional resilience and social support are key predictors of successful rehabilitation outcomes. Patients with strong social and affective well-being are more likely to adhere to treatment protocols and achieve better physical recovery. Conversely, neglecting these dimensions can exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to what we identify as a “second wave” of health crises—mental health conditions triggered by chronic physical ailments. By adopting this holistic approach, healthcare systems can improve immediate rehabilitation outcomes, prevent the long-term escalation of mental health issues, and reduce the overall burden on global mental health services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients worldwide.