Exercise for your mental health with the help of a new guide and podcast

Learn more about exercise and mental health with one of the BBC’s street doctors

30 June 2009

We all know that exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good physically and mentally, so why on earth do so many of us still find it difficult to get started and stay motivated?

If you need a helping hand, read Look after your mental health using exercise. Published by the Mental Health Foundation, the pocket-sized guide explains how being active can help you deal with stress and protect yourself against depression and anxiety.

On the charity’s website, you can also listen to a new podcast narrated by one of the BBC’s street doctors, Jonty Heaversedge.

Jonty Heaversedge said:

“Being active has so many benefits for the mind and body - the trick is to find a physical activity that suits you. Busy lifestyles can make it hard to find time to exercise so why not try to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine by walking or cycling rather than driving or using public transport. Also try to get outdoors to get a good dose of natural light and fresh air.”

Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:

“When feeling down or stressed, it is often very tempting to have an alcoholic drink or a cigarette in an attempt to let off some steam. But alcohol and nicotine do very little to help in the long-run and can actually make the symptoms worse, and may leave you more vulnerable to mental ill health.

If you’re feeling stressed try to do a physical activity that you enjoy – whether its gardening, walking or playing football – being active is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself against depression and anxiety.”

Did you know?

• In the UK, 1 in 6 people experience depression and 1 in 7 people experience anxiety problems – rates could rise as people find themselves facing unemployment, debt and housing worries as a result of the economic crisis. Such circumstances can lead to extreme stress, depression and anxiety.

• Evidence shows that a supervised programme of exercise on prescription can be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild or moderate depression - but exercise has far fewer negative side effects.

• GPs remain over-reliant on antidepressant medication due to a lack of alternatives available such as talking treatments and exercise therapy. Figures published in April this year show that prescriptions for antidepressants have almost doubled in a decade – from 18,424,473 to 35,960,500*.

Ends

For more information please contact the Mental Health Foundation press office on 020 7803 1130 / 1128 or sloveland@mhf.org.uk

*Source: Prescription Cost Analyses 1998-2008