Physical Fitness in Childhood Key to Preventing Mental Illness

Mental illness among young people is increasing at an alarming rate. About 20-30% of young adults live with some mental illness, making this a public health challenge. As such, we need to shift our focus from treatment to more of prevention.

So, how can we prevent mental health issues among young people?

A new study has provided evidence that good physical fitness from childhood promotes better mental health in adolescence. That means engaging in sufficient physical activity from a young age can help prevent mental illness among young adults.

This might be the solution we've been looking for. And like many other mental health issues, parents have an important role to play here.

Children do not know the importance of physical fitness. So you’ll need to make them enjoy doing it even without knowing the long-term benefits. This you can achieve by making physical activity a habitual part of your routine and having them join in. Of course, children learn best by copying.

No, a 10-year-old kid doesn't have to lift weights.

But running, engaging in sports at school, and playing basketball with you in the yard can do a world of good.

Results of the study

The study found that improving cardiorespiratory fitness from childhood to adolescence was linked to lower stress and depression in adolescence.

Those with higher motor fitness from childhood also had better cognitive function and lower stress and depression in adolescence.

Why does it matter?

Nowadays, kids are more glued to their screens. Physical activity is declining as much as mental health issues are rising.

It's glaring that we need to invest more in physical activity early in life to mitigate this mental health crisis ravaging our youths.

As parents and guardians, it's largely up to us. School management must also step up to encourage physical activity participation during leisure and in hobbies.

The benefits are far-reaching

As kids become more engaged in physical fitness, physical and mental health will improve in our society, which can help bolster the economy.

Fun fact: Around $282 billion is spent treating mental illness yearly in the US alone.

Prevention, indeed, is better than cure.

Author

Satu H. Woodland, PMHCNS-BC, APRN Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.  Ms. Woodland with her background in nursing, prefers a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that addresses the mind and body together. While Ms. Woodland provides medication management services in all her patients, she believes in long-lasting solutions that include a number of psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, attention to lifestyle, evidenced based alternative psychiatric care and spirituality. If you’d like to gain control over your mental health issues, call Hope Mental Health at 208-918-0958, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an initial consultation.