Exercise v. Depression and Anxiety
We either struggle with this or know someone who does, let's start addressing it
What We Know About Mental Health Struggles
51.5 million people in the United States struggle with mild to moderate depression
Mental health issues are among the most significant contributors to the global cost of healthcare. Within mental health disorders, depression is the largest contributor, and anxiety is the most common.
In 2019, one in 8 people worldwide was affected by a mental health disorder, and 44% will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
That means that 12.5% of the people you know are battling a mental illness, and nearly half of the people you see every single way will do the same at some point during their lifetime.
…and
We actually have a way to help address both depression and anxiety, that’s 1.5 times more effective than medication…exercise
but facts are irrelevant…
We KNOW we struggle and we KNOW what to do, the fact of the matter is we aren’t DOING
This isn’t some 3 minute read on how we have the tools to feel better and we need to use them. THAT’S NOT WORKING
This is a 3 minute read on how to start…
START HERE…this is plenty enough for the first 60 days
make your bed
take a drink of water
spend 5 minutes walking around your neighborhood
spend 5 minutes journaling, unedited continuous writing, pen to paper
If You Are Ready for the Next Step
The American Guidelines for Physical Activity are:
150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise
Longer walks around your neighborhood
Peloton class
Bike rides with friends
2 days of strengthening activities per week
CrossFit classes
Carrying Heavy Things
(send me a message and we’ll get you linked up with a fit just right for you)
Why Exercise Isn’t Prescribed Like Medication
We aren’t there…yet
Mental health professionals aren’t trained to prescribe, program or track fitness
Fitness professionals (as an industry) haven’t proved themselves reliable for mental health professionals to trust referring their clients to
We are getting there.
It will take more conversations between individual professionals to build the trust and the trustworthiness to refer
…Insurance will follow…eventually
I’m in Your Corner 🫶
Take this information with you and share it with people you believe would find value in it.
If you want to go deeper into these topics or see if working together is right for you, I’m in your corner and am happy to jump on a call and explore it
Click on the button below to find a time on my calendar that’s convenient for you, and we will start with a call