Hard to Walk & Worry at the Same Time
Mounting evidence points to physical activity as an excellent way to prevent and treat mental health disorders and to promote wellbeing.One reason for the feelings of wellbeing that are generated during and after exercise is the body's natural release of endorphins. These chemicals released by the brain are the body's natural painkillers and can lead to an increase in feelings of happiness.
Physical activity seems comparable to psychotherapy and medication for treating people with generalised anxiety disorder and clinical depression and is an effective tool for coping with stress disorders, phobias and panic attacks.
Social support and connection with the community can be additional benefits for people who are active with family, friends or in one of the many physical activity programmes available.
Sport and Recreation NZ (SPARC) has a government mandate to increase physical activity among New Zealanders and works with the health sector to achieve this. We are pleased to be working with the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness of the mental health benefits of being active.
Green Prescriptions (GRx) is a SPARC health initiative part funded by Pharmac. The 2006 GRx patient survey showed that 13% of GRx had been issued to relieve stress, and a further 13% to relieve depression and anxiety. 29% of patients felt less stressed after becoming more active and 17% felt less depressed and anxious.
Being active can reduce the tendency to react to situations with worry, self doubt and apprehension that is typical of anxiety disorders. A single exercise session often leads to a reduction in anxiety, lasting from two to four hours. Relaxation, quiet rest or psychotherapy show similar improvements but physical activity has longer lasting effects. For optimal benefits the activity should be continuous and rhythmical aerobic activity such as brisk walking, swimming laps, aqua fitness or cycling.
Experiments using long term physical activity show anxiety reductions in generally anxious people, especially those with low to moderate anxiety. Anxiety levels decrease when individuals take part in a physical activity routine for at least 10 weeks and those who exercise for more than 15 weeks get the most benefits.
People suffering from depression often become less depressed after doing aerobic activity for two to six months. There is still a lot to learn in this area though and research is currently being done to determine the ideal intensity, duration, frequency and type of physical activity required in treating anxiety and depression.
Improved sleep patterns, energy levels, mood, physical self perceptions and self esteem are more benefits of increasing physical activity levels. These psychological benefits can help motivate people to maintain their changed lifestyle so they receive other health benefits such as weight loss, diabetes prevention and improved cardio vascular fitness.
Although scientific evidence in the area of mental health benefits of being active is still regarded as relatively weak there is an intuitive interest by health professionals and strong belief among many that physical activity has an important role in mental health-and it is hard to walk and worry at the same time.
Diana O'Neill
Senior Advisor - Health
SPARC
