October 10, 2024

Exercise is not a cure-all: we should support mental health with compassion, not pressure

Anna Wilkin in St Julian’s, Malta

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Physical activity increases the production of endorphins and reduces stress and anxiety.

Picture by: Debra Daco / U. S. Navy | Flickr

Exercise is often praised as a natural mood booster, and research shows that physical activity can improve mental well-being.

But we need to approach the subject with more sensitivity, as not everyone can simply ‘get moving’.

A year ago, my dad, 55, started experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Doctors diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition where his heart would beat irregularly, and told him to stop exercising temporarily to prevent further damage. This was tough because he’s always been active—playing rugby in his teens and running, playing tennis, and paddleboarding in recent years.

He underwent a successful procedure, but couldn’t exercise for another two months. I noticed a change in his mood: he became more irritable over small things that wouldn’t normally bother him. He explained it was the lack of exercise: “Exercise is my main form of relaxation, so having that taken away has been stressful.”

My dad’s experience mirrors what many studies have found—that regular physical activity can positively impact mental health, and that a lack of it can lead to mood swings.

The Scottish Health Survey, conducted in 2009, found that people who exercised, even in small ways like walking or doing housework, reported lower levels of psychological distress compared to those who were more inactive. The results were particularly strong for those who participated in sports.

This is largely due to the increase in chemicals known as endorphins, which are released during exercise and contribute to feelings of happiness. In addition exercise also decreases cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause stress.

Mental health issues are rising alarmingly, especially among young people. Between 2005 and 2017, the percentage of adolescents in the US reporting symptoms of severe depression jumped by 52%, and among young adults, the increase was a staggering 63%. Suicidal thoughts among young people rose by 47%.

These statistics point to a public health crisis, which has led researchers to explore the role of exercise as a solution.

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Regular physical activity has been shown to boost one’s mood, improve sleep, increase energy levels, and even cognitive function by promoting neural growth and reducing inflammation. For people with mild depression, exercise can be just as effective as antidepressants or therapy.

A Harvard study from 2019 found that running for 15 minutes a day could reduce the risk of depression by 26%.

However, it’s important to remember that while exercise can help, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. People suffering from depression often experience extreme fatigue and lack of motivation, making it hard to even get out of bed, let alone start an exercise routine.

Two years ago, my sister, Emilia, 18, struggled with severe depression. She told me that the idea of exercising sounded like a simple fix, but in reality, it was nearly impossible for her to get up and do it. The constant reminders from people to ‘just be more active’ only made her feel worse.

We need to be careful not to pressure people, especially those who are already struggling. For some, exercise may feel out of reach, and reminding them of that fact can do more harm than good.

In the context of rising mental health issues, how can we create environments that prioritise both physical and mental well-being without adding pressure? I believe that finding effective and empathetic solutions is critical. One way to do so is by fostering compassion.

Written by:

Anna Wilkin

Contributor

St. Julian’s, Malta

Born in Oxford, on September 18, 2007, Anna is currently based in Malta and studying online for a school based in Poland. Moving forward she plans to study Marine Biology in London.

In her free time, she enjoy painting, drawing, reading and playing tennis.

Anna is fluent in English and speaks some Polish and French.

Edited by:

Maria Mitko

Women’s Desk editor

Warsaw, Poland

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