Physical Activity and Mental Health 

Physical activity is beneficial for our overall health including our mental health. A link between physical activity and depression risk in adults has been identified.  Adults who with a genetic predisposition to depression who participated in a regular exercise program were found to be no more likely to develop depression than those without the genetic predisposition. 

Does this hold true for adolescences? The answer is quite possibly. Adolescence is the time where physical activity decreases, especially among girls. In a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, the researchers looked at activity levels of adolescents at ages 12, 14, and 16 years old who showed signs of depression at 18. One interesting finding was that physical activity dropped between 12 years and 16 years old and a sedentary lifestyle increased. Previous activity level was linked to their mental health when they got older. By age 16, adolescents are spending an average of nine hours a day in a sedentary life style. 

So how do you get your adolescent more physically active? 

1. Be a role model for an active lifestyle and find ways to be active as a family. Playing a sport/teaching your child a sport or family bike rides are two options. 
2. Physical activity should be fun-encourage your adolescent to keep trying different activities to find the right fit for them. 
3. Reduce screen time.
4. Support their participation in any activity they choose.

Below is the link to the full article regarding the benefits of exercise and mental health for children and adolescents. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/the-benefits-of-exercise-for-childrens-mental-health.html

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with Mental Illnesses. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with mental health challenges.