mental health
B THEEYOND I
t has been estimated that 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem. Mixed depression and anxiety is the
most common and widespread of these conditions, with 9 per cent of people in the UK alone meeting the criteria for diagnosis. Mental health problems peak in middle age, with an estimated 20–25 per cent of 45- to 54-year-olds being affected. It’s also estimated that 50 per cent of people who experience one episode of depression will have a repeat episode and that, for one in five sufferers, the condition is chronic. One of the contributory factors
to depression and anxiety is long- term stress and, with an estimated one in three employees stating that they have excessive levels of stress at work, the health and safety executive recommends that employers take a more responsible approach to risk assessment for stress in the workplace.
PHYSICAL
DEBBIE LAWRENCE AND SARAH BOLITHO OUTLINE AN ‘INCLUSIVE’ MENTAL HEALTH POLICY FOR HEALTH CLUBS IN SUPPORT OF THE ‘TIME4CHANGE’ CAMPAIGN
Furthermore, with evidence of
depression and suicide rising in response to the recent economic downturn, we are no longer referring to a ‘minority’ client group. In fact, the World Health Organisation (2001) forecasts that, by 2020, depression will be second only to coronary heart disease as a leading contributor to the global disease burden. With this in mind, it’s arguably a prime
time for the active leisure sector to become more proactive and primed to support this important area of overall health and wellbeing.
the case for physical activity It’s suggested that people with mental health conditions are generally less physically active than the rest of the population, and that this in itself may contribute to their condition. A study in the British Journal of Psychiatry
indicated that people who “were not active in their leisure time were almost twice as likely to suffer symptoms of depression than the most active individuals. The more people engaged in physical activity in their spare time, the less chance they had of being depressed”. There is a wealth of research evidence
Work it out: One in three people say they suffer excessive stress at work, which can lead to depression
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to demonstrate the benefi ts of exercise and activity for those with depression and anxiety. Some of the reported benefi ts include: a boost to the chemical messengers that enhance emotional and mental wellbeing and contribute to pain relief; a reduction in anxiety and stress; an increase in self-effi cacy and confi dence; improved mood; a boost to self-esteem; the creation of social networks; and the provision of a distraction from problems. The Chief Medical Offi cer’s report (2004), At Least 5 a Week, concluded
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Upskilling: Mental health problems peak in middle age, but courses are available to help staff work with this group
that exercise and physical activity can and should be considered for both its preventative and therapeutic effects for depression and anxiety. This is supported by the recent publication of the results of the Welsh National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS), where it was evidenced that scores for anxiety and depression (measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) improved more than physical scores as a result of exercise (Ward et al, 2010). Another survey conducted by the
mental health charity MIND found that 83 per cent of respondents exercised to help lift mood or reduce stress, and that seven out of 10 gym users with no mental health issues thought their mental wellbeing would suffer if they did not exercise.
barriers to participation Whether we know it or not, we all know someone who has a mental health condition. With evidence suggesting that one in four people experiences such a condition, we probably do not need to look any further than within our own family or workplace. Unfortunately, the stigma and
discrimination attached to mental health conditions prevent some people from disclosing this fact. Additionally, while
march 2011 © cybertrek 2011
PHOTO:
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/©SHERYL GRIFFIN
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