Promoting young people’s mental health through physical activity
There is increasing evidence that physical activity and sport can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing, and help prevent some mental illnesses. This is the focus of a training seminar, Promoting young people’s mental health through physical activity, to be held by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) on Thursday 16 November 2006.
The aim of the seminar is to provide those working with children and young people with some insight into the links between physical activity and mental health, in particular the potential to positively influence mood, self-esteem, identity and behavioural patterns.
It has been estimated that one in five young people will experience mental health problems during their adolescence, many of which can continue into adulthood.1
Professor Ken Fox from the Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, who will facilitate the seminar, said: “Mental and physical health are closely linked, and exercise can be useful in treating and avoiding depressive illnesses, and in reducing stress and anxiety. Young people who are physically active are not only fitter and leaner, but less likely to experience serious emotional distress and more likely to have better relationships with parents, and a more positive self-image. Sport and physical activity, when presented in the right way, can help young people build confidence, take charge of their lives and experience better mental health.”
Promoting young people’s mental health through physical activity is part of a series of seminars organised by the Design for Living Partnership, which comprises Action Mental Health, the Youth Council for Northern Ireland and the HPA.
A recent HPA report that highlighted public attitudes to mental health in Northern Ireland found that the youngest (aged 16-24) and oldest (65+) age groups were least knowledgeable about their own mental health. In a subsequent qualitative study, young males ages 16-24 said they never thought about looking after their mental health.2, 3
Deirdre McNamee, Senior Manager for Public Health at the HPA, said: “Everyone has mental health needs, not just those who have been diagnosed as having a mental health problem. No group is immune to mental health problems; however, the risk is greater among certain groups, including children and adolescents. There is a need to educate young people about the importance of being aware of their own mental health, and the benefits physical activity can have on self-esteem.”
END
For further information contact:
Rosie McGaughey or Jenny Dougan at the HPA on Tel: 028 9031 1611.
1. Health Committee, House of Commons. Child and adolescent mental health services. London: House of Commons, 1997.
2. Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Public attitudes, perceptions and understanding of mental health in Northern Ireland. Belfast: HPANI, 2006.
3. Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Research into public understanding and perceptions of mental health. Belfast: HPANI, 2006.
|
