Exercise and movement for mental health
At least 1 in 2 of Australians will experience a mental health or psychological disorder at some stage in their life, with 1 in 5 Australians experiencing one each year. The most common conditions experienced are mood disorders like anxiety and/or depression, and post traumatic stress disorder. Chances are, these experiences will be some of the hardest challenges beset by each individual.
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While exercise might not seem like a likely form of treatment for mental health conditions, it has been proven to be very therapeutic and should be included in a wholistic management plan.
Mental Health Conditions
How are mental health conditions treated?
There are a variety of treatment options that can be utilised in order to help an individual improve psychologically. These include talk therapy (counselling), a multitude of medications, mindfulness training, and exercise; which falls in line with other lifestyle modifications like diet, sleep hygiene and socialisation. On the whole, an approach which aims to positively influence a persons’ lifestyle behaviours and environment can have a significant affect on mood and mental health.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help?
Exercise has been proven to have significant benefits to those managing mood disorders and mental health conditions. The introduction of exercise can decrease psychological and physiological pain, increase energy levels, help manage stress levels, promote healthy sleeping patterns, help form important social interactions, all of which can give a sense of mental wellbeing. The more you move the more you can improve your mind and body. An exercise physiologist will assess your current movement capacities and guide you through the process of finding the most beneficial and enjoyable exercise to get you moving and feeling better.
