How Fitness Boosts Mental Health: Exploring the Vital Connection
Physical activity is not just about building muscles or losing weight; it plays a crucial role in enhancing mental well-being. Mental health is very near and dear to me, and I continue to advocate for more readily available resources for individuals who suffer from it. In my 38 years on this earth, believe me when I say I have faced my fair share of mental health challenges and depression. From losing a parent, battling cancer at 37, working in healthcare, and being a single mom, you can probably imagine the toll this has played on me and my mental health.
Knowledge is power. To better understand Let’s take a look at some statistics:
Single Parents
Single Parent Households and Depression:
Single parents are significantly more likely to experience depression compared to their married counterparts. Around 30% of single mothers report having experienced depression, compared to 15% of mothers in two-parent households .
Creative People
Creatives and Mental Health:
Creative professionals, such as writers, artists, and musicians, are reported to experience higher rates of mood disorders. Studies suggest that writers are up to 10 times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder and 50% more likely to commit suicide compared to the general population .
Health Care Workers
Health Care Workers and Mental Health:
The prevalence of depression among health care workers is substantial, with estimates suggesting that 30% to 50% of physicians experience symptoms of burnout, which often includes depression. Nurses also face similar rates, with approximately 40% reporting depressive symptoms .
Chronically Ill Individuals
Chronic Illness and Depression:
People with chronic illnesses are at a higher risk of depression. For instance, about one-third of individuals with serious medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes suffer from depression. Specifically, around 25% of cancer patients experience depression, and approximately 30% of individuals with multiple sclerosis are affected .
Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease .
These statistics highlight the critical need for targeted mental health interventions across various at-risk populations.
Exercise actually improves your mental health
When I separated from the father of my children at 30, with four young kids, I was overweight, lost, and depressed. I took to exercising, specifically walking, initially out of self-hate. Surprisingly, this journey transformed into one of self-love. The more I walked, the more weight I lost, and the better I felt. I noticed improvements in my sleep, reduced anxiety, and fewer panic attacks. I realized that exercise and mental health are deeply interconnected. Whole-body wellness is more than just weight loss; it requires addressing your mental state as well. Exercise was the catalyst for my holistic well-being journey.
Integrating Mental Wellness into Your Day:
Over the next several years on my journey these are some of the things I've done to improve my overall well-being and mental health. Start your day with positive affirmations to set a hopeful tone. This doesn’t need to be a complex action. Starting with something as simple as “I am worthy of love and happiness” is powerful enough. Engage in deep-breathing exercises during your workouts to reduce stress and improve focus. Allocate time for reflective journaling post-exercise to process your thoughts and emotions. By incorporating these mindful practices, you can enhance both your physical and mental health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
If you are struggling mentally right now, know that you are loved, you are valued, and you are needed. Reach out and talk to a friend. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. I promise, more of us have been right where you are, than you know.
