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Time To Talk
“Workers in the construction industry are at some of the highest risk of suicide,” says Brian Berry of the FMB, as the organisation urges its...
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Keep On Moving Don’t Stop
Mental Health Awareness Week ran from 13-19 May 2024 with the theme of moving more for your mental health. This year the Mental Health Foundation produced an exercise- benefits report and asked what barriers people felt prevented them from exercising more.
The Foundation’s research showed that 82% of people believe that regular physical activity is important for mental health and wellbeing. However, over a third of UK adults do not meet the recommendations set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The UK chief medical officer’s physical activity guidelines emphasise that people who are the least active have the most to gain from doing more. Even small increases in physical activity levels can result in a range of physical and mental health benefits.
Depression & anxiety
Research has found that people who are inactive have three times the rate of moderate to severe depression of active people. There is also strong evidence to support the role of physical activity in the reduction of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of depression by up to 30%. Many other mental health benefits of being active have been identified, including increased self-esteem, reduced stress and improved quality of life.
Exercise releases feel-good hormones that reduce feelings of stress and anger. It also helps us feel better about our bodies. It can improve our sleep too. If it involves other people in a class or group we see regularly, that can also boost mental health.
Time
Over a third (37%) of adults in the UK find it challenging to allocate time for physical activity and 28% report feeling too tired or fatigued to engage in physical activity. However, most people also have a wish list that they think would help overcome those barriers – although top of that list is the weather which is a difficult one to make come true for outside activities. Number 2 on the list as ‘finding an activity I enjoy’, followed by making gyms and classes cheaper and having more facilities and activities locally. Local groups were also in demand. 25% of people were happy with the amount or movement or exercise they are currently doing.
Stress begets stress
Ultimately, there is only so much we can overcome as individuals. Like most things that are good for our mental health such as eating a healthy diet, staying out of debt, or getting good sleep, it is much easier to be physically active when we feel secure in our homes, have adequate income to cover essential living costs, are not living with a long-term health condition, and are not subject to racism or discrimination.
A spokesperson for the Mental Health Foundation says: “Being able to protect our own mental health should not be a luxury, yet too many people are denied the chance to do things that are good for mental health due to poverty, financial strain and inequality. It is these root causes that must be addressed if we are to achieve our vision of good mental health for all.
Picture: Movement can help banish dark feelings and improve mental health.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
15th May 2024