10 October 2008

Part 2 of a 4 week series on Good Mental Health

The impact of physical activity on mental health

The many physical benefits of taking regular exercise are now widely recognised. Leading an active lifestyle helps with the maintenance of a healthy body weight, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of a range of illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

In addition, there is now a growing body of evidence linking participation in physical activity to positive mental well-being. Research suggests that regular exercise can both prevent and reduce symptoms of mental ill health.

In 2001, the charity Mind conducted a survey of 400 people experiencing mental health problems. 83% of these individuals reported using physical activity to lift their mood and reduce stress.

Over half the sample claimed that it helped relieve their symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other reported benefits included increased motivation, greater self-esteem and improved social skills.

In fact, we can all benefit mentally from engaging in some form of regular physical activity. Exercise provides a positive outlet for channelling frustrations and reducing tension. Research also suggests that being physically active can promote more restful sleep and improve our ability to cope with stress.

There are many possible explanations for the link between physical activity and positive mental health. One theory is that exercise stimulates the release of hormones, know as endorphins, into the bloodstream that enhance our mood and make us feel good.

It is important to seek advice from a doctor before embarking on any new activity programme, especially if you have a medical condition.

When deciding on the physical activity it is important is finding something that you enjoy and can adhere to – heavy sessions at the gym are not essential! Consider walking, swimming or taking up a sport. Involving friends or family might help boost your motivation.

The more regularly you exercise, the greater the benefits are likely to be, although it is important not to overdo it. Those who have not been active in some time, or who have a medical condition, should start off gently and build up gradually as fitness levels improve.

To achieve maximum benefits, you should try to build some physical activity into your regular routine so that it becomes a permanent part of your lifestyle. This is why it is important to find something that you enjoy and can perform consistently.

Although there is encouraging evidence to suggest that physical activity can help relieve the symptoms of mental ill health, it should not be viewed as a replacement for other existing treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy. Physical activity can complement these treatments to provide an additional coping strategy that is beneficial for overall well-being.

It may also offer a protective role in helping to prevent the development of mental health problems through its positive effects on mood and self-esteem and as a strategy for dealing with stress.

Further support is available from seven Protect Life Resource Centres that have been set up by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with local voluntary and community organisations. The Centres provide information, support and signposting for individuals suffering from, or caring for someone with, a mental health problem:

Armagh - Breakthru Offices, Old City Hospital, Abbey Street, Armagh. Tel 028 37 515459.

Banbridge - TASSK Health Living Centre, Old Technical College, Downshire Road, Banbridge. Tel 028 406 25167.

Dungannon - Niamh Louise Foundation, Morph Centre, 7 George Street, Dungannon. Tel 028 87 726217.

Kilkeel - REACT, Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel. Tel 028 4176 9344.

Lurgan - PIPS Upper Bann, Flat 17, Mount Zion, Edward Street, Lurgan. Tel 028 3831 0151.

Newry - PIPS Newry & Mourne, McGrath Centre, Margaret Street, Newry.

(outreach centres in Crossmaglen and Kilkeel). Tel 028 302 66195.

Portadown - Action Mental Health, MensSana, 13 Church Street, Portadown. Tel 028 38 392314.

Reproduced with kind permission of AMH MensSana.