Exercise and Mental Health Pt 2

POOR MENTAL HEALTH HAS AN INMPACT ON OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Generally, individuals experiencing mental health conditions will also experience some elements of poor physical health, and vice versa. According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia’s Health 2016 National Report Card, mental health conditions were reported as a comorbidity among:

• 36% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• 30% of people with back pain and problems

  29% of people with asthma

  Australians who are then living with a mental illness:

  • Are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from diabetes than the general population

  • Are almost four times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and also significantly more likely to die from CVD as opposed to those without mental illness » Coronary heart disease carries the independent risk factor of depression, which can affect the recovery of those with CVD and increase the risk of future heart problems.

These physical health implications on those living with a mental illness is due in part to the range of lifestyle factors such as poor diet and low levels of physical activity. Given this well-known relationship between physical and mental health, it is imperative that individuals living with a mental health condition have access to a multidisciplinary treatment to enhance their quality of life and improve their physical and mental health outcomes.

OVERVIEW OF MENTAL HEALTH AND EXERCISE

The provision of the specific and client focused exercise plan becomes crucial, not just for the short-term benefits on mental health, but more importantly for the long standing effect exercise has on overall mental health and wellness. Exercise, when provided suitably and in a way that is specific and individual to the needs of the client, is an excellent addition to other treatment for the ongoing journey towards good mental health. If you know of someone in your life who is wanting to commence exercise but is living with some mental health challenges, or if you yourself have or are living with a mental illness, make your first choice an Accredited Exercise Physiologist – they are qualified allied health professionals who can work with you to better your mental health through appropriately designed exercise.

Who are the Exercise Professionals?

Just like any physical illness or disability, treatment for a mental illness should be provided by a tertiary qualified health professional. It’s therefore best to work with an exercise professional that has the skills and knowledge to help you manage your mental health condition with physical activity. This makes Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) pivotal in the multidisciplinary treatment environment.

Working alongside General Practitioners (GPs) and Psychologists/Psychiatrists, these accredited professionals can tailor a plan suited to the client’s needs, ability and motivation level, and address any psychosocial barriers that the client may address towards exercise participation. By consulting an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) you will be working with someone who cares about your well-being and can prescribe an individual exercise plan to help you get started.

The development and adherence towards good positive habits like exercise allow for the development and increase in client confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness, which are all important aspects in the management of mental illness. In populations with mental illness, regular physical activity prescribed by an accredited exercise professional has been shown to:

• Improve cardio-respiratory fitness and reduce all-cause mortality risk

• Help control weight gain induced by medication (despite any side effects, medication still plays an important role in treatment)

• Improve chronic disease outcomes, especially type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

• Decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality and increase self-esteem It can take time for the benefits of exercise to be noticeable.

Studies show a significant reduction in depressive symptoms after eight weeks. By introducing exercise interventions for those with mental health issues, evidence shows that there can be significant improvements in physical and mental health. However, it can be more difficult for those experiencing mental illness to initiate and maintain an exercise program due to the complex nature of their health. To get in contact with your local accredited exercise professional to help start the process, visit the ESSA website: www.essa.org.au or speak with your GP for a referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.