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Largest ever study of its kind confirms physical activity’s benefits to mental wellbeing
A
landmark two-year study shows that people with
mental health problems who are more regularly active
have better mental wellbeing.
The main message — whether you’re into walking,
running or sun salutations — is to get active.
The Get Set to Go programme was launched by mental health
charity Mind with support from Sport England and the National
Lottery in 2015 to help people with mental health problems, such as
depression and anxiety, to join mainstream sports clubs, go to the
gym or take up a new sport.
Activities included everything from going to the gym, football,
badminton, boxing, walking and even ultimate frisbee.
Participants increased their activity levels by an average of 1.
days each week, and also felt that the programme had improved
their resilience and ability to cope.
“We know that physical activity can play a vital role in the lives of
people with mental health problems, reducing the risk of depression by
up to 30%,” said Paul Farmer, Mind’s chief executive. “Unfortunately,Get set, go
we also know that many people who do want to participate in sport
are being held back by their mental health, whether that’s feelings of
low self-confidence, exhaustion or fear of crowded spaces.”
Mind is now calling on organisations working in sports and
physical activity to take on the learnings from Get Set to Go and
embed the programme’s recommendations in their work to support
participants with mental health problems.
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: “Sport can have such a
positive impact on a person’s mental health and help change lives
for the better. I want to see more sports bodies work closely with
mental health organisations and ‘Get Set to Go’ is an excellent
example of this.”
One participant in the programme, Sujan, who suffers from panic
and anxiety attacks, said exercise had given them a new lease of life.
“It’s helped with my panic and anxiety attacks and I feel much better
and more confident in myself.”More information can be found at: mind.org.uk/gstgresults