World Mental Health Day: Supporting people with mental health issues to be active
Friday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. It is a campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation about a particular mental health issue. This year the Foundation’s focus is on Living with Schizophrenia, but the aim is to raise awareness about good mental health to the wider public. The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) recognises the importance that physical activity has on all our health and well-being. But our research shows that people with mental health issues are less engaged in sport and physical activity.
Participation in physical activity and sport has been shown to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, psychological distress and emotional disturbance. Low to moderate physical exercise can reduce anxiety and have both short and long-term beneficial effects on psychological health. Taking part in sport and spectating can have a positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of young people. (ONS, 2014).
This World Mental Health Day, EFDS is encouraging sport and exercise providers to think about the ways in which they can ensure the good mental health of people through lifestyle choices, better social connections and active citizenship. The national charity Mind has also produced a great guide to physical activity.
The Lifestyle Report released by the EFDS in September 2013 revealed that people with mental health issues are less engaged in sport and physical activity. The research highlights some stark findings for people with mental health issues, who are much less likely to be engaged in sport compared to people with other impairments:
- Only 56% stated that they enjoyed the last time they played sport compared to 78% of people with other impairments.
- Only 46% see playing sport or being active as important compared to 69% of people with other impairments.
- Only 35% enjoyed PE at school compared to 51% of people with other impairments.
- Only 28% think of themselves as a sporty person compared to 52% of people with other impairments.
- The expense of sport is a significant barrier to participation for people with a mental health issue.
As well as the barriers to sporting participation, EFDS's research also determines a number of opportunities for policymakers and sports providers:
- Unlike people with other impairments who take part because it is fun, the main reason people with mental health issues take part in sport or physical activity is to improve their health.
- Taking part in sport and physical activity alone is much more common among people with mental health issues, who are twice as likely to take part alone (53%), compared to than other impairments (24%).
- People with mental health issues seek sport and physical activity opportunities which require minimal commitment- something which is flexible that focuses on fun and enjoyment that they can take part in alone.
Sport in Mind, an independent mental health charity founded in 2011, points out that this year, one-in-four of us in the United Kingdom will be affected by a mental health problem. Despite this, there is still a tremendous amount of stigma attached to this type of illness. At Sport in Mind® they use sport to assist people in their recovery from illness and raise awareness.
“For years it has been common knowledge that playing regular sport and exercise is beneficial to one's physical health. However, many people are still unaware that exercise can have a positive effect on peoples’ mental health. Extensive research into mental illness has shown us that individuals participating in regular sporting activities have reduced levels of anxiety, improvements in mood and increased self-esteem.”
Sport in Mind and Sport England has produced a promotional video. It shows people with mental health problems being active in sport and physical activity.
Find out more about Sport in Mind on their website- http://sportinmind.org
EFDS recognises the part sport and physical activity have to play in the lives of people with mental health issues. As well as supporting the sport and fitness sector to be more inclusive, we encourage disabled people to be active at whatever level they choose. EFDS programmes like Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) leads the way in providing accessible physical activity and increasing disabled people’s participation.
IFI provides accessible physical activity and increases participation. EFDS has been delivering the programme for over ten years and in this time has accredited over 400 IFI Mark gym facilities nationally. Those gyms realise how important accessibility and service provision is for disabled people.
The below documents may provide more information for your interest:
- MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION "lets get physical" report
- MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION "How to look after your mental health using exercise"
- Download and display the IFI Uplifted poster
- CPSU Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in sport
*Mental health problems include: anxiety, addiction, obsession, phobia, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia or an eating disorder.
If you are a disabled person looking for an inclusive gym or a participation opportunity near you, visit our IFI facility search or events pages.
