Physical Activity and Mental Health

Description

Physical activity is a recognized health topic worldwide. Individuals and health professionals are increasingly aware of its benefits and the implications of inactivity. Beyond the Physical Benefits, Research Shows Physical Activity Has Positive Effects on the Body personal mental health. People with mental illness have higher rates of disability and mortality [1], and further research is needed in this area.

Definition

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as; “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease”. [2]

Specifically for mental disorders, which are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as; “a broad range of problems with distinct symptoms”. [3]

NICE (National Institute and Care Excellence) guidelines suggest that common mental health conditions range from depression to anxiety. These conditions are recognized as ‘common’ because they affect more people than any other mental illness.[4]

Prevalence

• 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental illness in any given year.
• Mental health problems relate to a significant global economic burden with an estimated cost of £1.6 billion[5]
• Half of all mental health problems begin before the age of
• In England women present a higher prevalence of depression than men (19.7% compared to 12.5%)[6].
• Only about 50% of people diagnosed with mental illness receive professional help[7].
• In the united states, over 50% of people who are diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lives each year, 1 in 5 develop a mental illness.
• 1 in 25 people in the US. develop severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and sedentary lifestyles.
• For children, 1 in 5 develops a mental illness at some point in their lives experiences a serious mental illness.
• According to the national institute of mental health

Benefits of Physical Activity 

Social

Many people find physical activity fun, boosts confidence and helps regain a sense of control. Physical activity can also encourage social interaction by being around like-minded people. [8] It can help bring about social support, which in turn can improve Personal confidence and sense of accomplishment [9]

Mood

Research shows that physical activity can have a positive impact on an individual’s overall mood. [10] Levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which affects mood, have been shown to increase following exercise. This increase in serotonin is thought to help prevent the development of Some physical or mental impairment. [11]

Self-Esteem

Physical activity has been shown to increase self-esteem and acceptance levels. Research shows that patients should participate in less stressful and less competitive activities to help improve their mental health. [12]

Depression

Evidence suggests that exercise is effective in improving depressive symptoms.[13] Aerobic exercise[14] resistance and strength training have been found useful in improving personal condition.[15] Exercise is reported to have effects in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Significant improvements are recognized in the clinical setting including those with severe mental illness.[16]

Physical

Exercise participants benefit from improved cardiovascular and muscle tone. Maintaining bone strength and supporting functional health. It can reduce an individuals risk of many conditions such as high blood pressure chronic heart disease stroke diabetes breast/colon cancer and depression.[17]

Mechanism of effect

There are several theories that attempt to identify the mechanism by which physical activity affects mental health. These can be seen as psychological or physical. The evaluation of the hypotheses was limited and the real effect is thought to be although aggregate psychological and physiological mechanisms.

Psychological

Distraction

Mindfulness is thought to be induced by individuals withdrawing and turning away from stressful stimuli which in turn have the enhanced effects associated with physical activity.[18][19]

Self-efficacy

Many people find exercise difficult. By engaging in an exercise-related routine, an individual’s mood and self-confidence will improve.[18]

Physiological

Monoamines

This is thought to be where exercise increases neurotransmission in the brain. Research is limited in this area.[20]

Endorphins

Exercise releases opioids.[21] Exercise positively affects common symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing beta endorphins post-exercise. Endorphins are associated with a positive mood and a greater sense of overall well-being.[20]

Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis is about making the body. Exercise raises body temperature. Exercise is thought to be more relaxing and moody.[9]

Barriers to Physical Activity

Even though many people are aware of the benefits of physical activity and how it can improve quality of life they still face barriers that prevent them from doing it. Barriers can be seen as physical psychological or social environment.[22][23][24]

PhysicalMental and economicSocioeconomicPhysical illnessFatigue/exhaustionDistressDepressionLack of mental motivationLow confidenceLow confidenceHigh costs lack of access to places without access to social supportLack of information/knowledgePoor environmentHigh crime rates

We all set up barriers to exercise even when we know the potential benefits. Those with mental illness are no different but there are other factors that can prevent an individual from participating in physical activity.

• Physical image – Especially related to excess body weight. Susceptibility to weight gain may not be due to inactivity but may be due to substance use.[25][26]
• Fatigue – Evidence has shown that fatigue and tiredness can be caused by substance use.[25]
• Circumstances – People worry that they will be recognized by others in their neighborhood or community because of their mental disorder and fear of stigma. [26]

Treatment

Medication

Those with common mental health disorders have been found to have symptoms that reduce their likelihood of being physically active. [27] Drug side effects can also be a barrier to physical activity. Individuals can take a number of different medications to treat their mental health conditions; Antidepressants Anxiety Stimulants Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers.

Possible side effects associated with the drug are: nausea and vomiting weight gain drowsiness loss of appetite headache and blurred vision. [28] Both typical and atypical drugs have been identified to affect certain neurotransmitters within the brain, which can lead to increased individual Weight [29] Determining the correct drug for an individual can sometimes be a lengthy process, especially when trying to determine dosage. In some cases, individuals reported periods of sedation, which increased the time of physical inactivity. [26]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals change the way they think and behave. It has been shown to have positive effects on various mental health disorders [30]. The approach is divided into 5 areas; Situational Thought Emotional Body Feeling and Action[31] This type of therapy can stop the negative loop many people may find themselves in and allow them to better manage their condition. [32]

Many people with depression find that their behavior is associated with prolonged inactivity, which in turn lowers mood. CBT therapy can help change behavior and increase physical activity levels by doing things that may bring you pleasure and feelings Achievements[33][34]

Public health

Implementing public health interventions to try to address inactivity can be done in a variety of ways, such as:

Point-of-Decision prompts

Information provided directly to individuals through the logo. These are usually located in the stairwell or next to the elevator. [35] These signs can be motivating, educational and inspirational. [36]

Community campaigns

The community engages in the exercise through media campaigns and other strategies. Support groups and risk factor screening are used in community projects. [37]

Mass media campaigns

Movement uses the media television broadcast cinema and the internet to encourage physical activity. [35]

Classroom-based health education

Interventions in educational settings such as school university or work. These classes attempt to educate individuals about the importance of physical activity and the effects of inactivity. [35][38]

Resources

Many different tools/interventions have been developed to help address physical inactivity.

Scot-PASQ (Scottish Physical Activity Screening Questions)

Identify what individuals think about physical activity and what they are currently doing. To determine whether brief recommendations or interventions were implemented if individuals demonstrated acceptance of increased physical activity. Those Who Are Not Ready Get Informed Through Physical Activity Leaflet[39]

National Physical Activity Pathway

After Scot-PASQ screening, health professionals can use this pathway to provide advice or implement interventions to help encourage inactive individuals to increase the level of physical activity they achieve. [40]

Lester Positive Cardiometabolic Health Resources

The framework applies to people with psychiatric disorders who are taking antipsychotic medications, and it helps to identify any risk these people may have for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. [41]

Examples

Walking Football groups

These groups see people 50 and older attending soccer games. The walking format of the game allows people with limited mobility to participate. Improve physical and mental health. [42]

Get Active

Goals here include improving an individual’s self-esteem, working within the community helps develop social inclusion, and ensuring recreational facilities are well equipped to support people with mental disorders. [43]

Jogscotland

The Scottish Mental Health Association is working to educate leaders to be more aware of mental health and able to communicate how exercise can improve an individual’s mental health. [43]

Branching out

A scheme involving forestry in Scotland. Individuals who use mental health services can enroll in a 12-week program that encourages physical activity. Individuals learn conservation work and bush techniques. Photography and other skills are also [44]