The Effect of Exercise for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

 The Effect of Exercise for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

By: Madelyn Drohan

    

Roughly 1.6 billion people worldwide die prematurely due to complications caused by obesity; if rates continue to increase the way they currently are, it is predicted that 12% of the world population will be overweight or obese by 2030. Lucky for you, there is a simple and easy solution to save you from being a part of this statistic: exercise. However, with individuals who are obese or overweight, it is hard for them to adhere to an exercise program or engage in regular physical activity, which sets them up for failure. Mental blocks, such as anxiety or depression, can take control of an individual’s life and prevent them from seeking treatment options

Evidence-based points:

1. Regular exercise produces more endorphins in the brain, increasing peace of mind and mental well-being

1. It allows individuals to feel a deeper meaning to their lives

       2. Exercising with a peer or in a group creates a warmer, more welcoming environment, turning                                       exercise into a fun activity rather than a grueling or daunting workout.

Practical Implications:

1. The impact of mental health can help determine the course of treatment for a patient. When assessing their mental health status it is important to assess their exercise levels as well and see how that factor could help influence treatment.

2. Exercise widens coping mechanisms for depression and anxiety and it can aid patients in taking back control of their lives. Working towards consistent exercise will better an individual’s mental AND physical health, promoting longevity.

References: 

        1. Liu, F., Yu, P., Wu, J., & Guo, L. (2024). The Influence of Exercise Adherence on Peace of Mind                                Among Chinese College Students: A Moderated Chain Mediation Model. Frontiers in Public Health. 1-11.

        2. Harada, K., Masumoto, K., & Kondo, N. (2019). Exercising Alone or Exercising with Others and                              Mental Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis of Cross-Lagged and                             Simultaneous Effects. Human Kinetics, 16, 556-564.

        3. Patterson, M.S., Gagnon, L. R., Vukelich, A., Brown, S. E., Nelon, J. L., Prochnow, T. (2021).                                     Social Networks, Group Exercise, and Anxiety Among College Students. Journal of American                                    College Health, 69(4), 361-369.

        4. Collins, W.M., Miranda, W., & Boucher, L. (2025). Short Bouts, Big Impact: The Cognitive Benefits                         of Brief Exercise. American Psychological Association, 14(3), 457-470.

About the Author:

Madelyn Drohan is a Senior at Westfield State University studying Movement Science with a concentration in Exercise Science as well as Psychology. She is currently a full-time Personal Trainer at Epic Health and Fitness of Windsor Locks and plans to work with patients struggling with being overweight or obese. If there are any further questions, Madelyn can be contacted at madelyndrohan@gmail.com.