Time for a mental health MoT

RESEARCH shows that exercise and physical activity can be as effective as anti-depressant medication in treating mild to moderate depression. Counselling also has a proven record in helping people overcome psychological problems and maintain positive mental health. Combining these two approaches offers radical new possibilities in the treatment and prevention of mental illness.

To mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, GM Counselling in Londonderry has teamed up with Best Western White Horse Hotel to promote the psychological as well as physical benefits of both exercise and counselling.

The mental Health Foundation is now campaigning to raise awareness about the positive benefits that exercise can have on our mental health and their report “Moving on up” suggests that taking part in physical activities offers many opportunities. These include providing a chance for a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a great way to meet people. Leading an active life can help raise self-worth and improve confidence. It can help you feel valued and to value yourself.

Charlene Laurans who is the Manager of Bodykneads Leisure Center at Best Western White Horse Hotel says that exercise and physical activity can provide something worthwhile in your life, something that you really enjoy, and create a sense of purpose. A get fit programme gives you a goal to aim for and there is a tremendous sense of achievement as these goals are reached.

Gerry McCanny a counsellor with GM Counselling says that exercise releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which make people feel good and that regular exercise can also boost self-esteem and help people concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. He often explores with clients a range of options to help them cope with extreme stress and he feels that a regular programme of light exercise often works well with people who are using counselling to work through problems ranging from bereavement and relationship issues to anxiety and depression.The Mental Health Foundation reported in 2009 that one in ten people in the UK were taking anti depressants but Moira Sharkey from GM Counselling says that more and more clients are unhappy to be prescribed anti depressants and sedatives and points out that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), recommends counselling and psychotherapy for a number of conditions including depression. She added that if someone knows there is something wrong and is not sure what their issue is GM Counselling will have the expertise to help clarify the problem and make appropriate recommendations about the most appropriate therapy.

Dorothy Millar who is a counsellor specialising in family and parenting problems points out that psychological issues impact on a persons physical well being and if the psychological problems go untreated they may well result in physical illness. Some physical problems which can be associated with psychological problems include headaches, tension, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, irritable bowel, skin conditions and fibromyalgia.

The Mental Health Foundation report shows that there are still significant barriers preventing patients with mild or moderate depression from accessing exercise on prescription and that the availability of exercise referral schemes across the UK is patchy and called for greater investment to change this.

Funding constraints and a lack of awareness about availability mean that many people are being denied exercise referral as a treatment option. The findings revealed that many GPs surveyed were unaware of the link between exercise and depression. Only five per cent used it as one of their three most common treatment responses.

However, starting any type of exercise can be tough, especially when you’re feeling a bit low or lacking motivation.Charlene from White Horse Hotel leisure complex says it is important to remember you’re probably not as fit as you were so gradually build up to a level that suits you now – not what you did 10 years ago and take expert advice from your instructors.

Information on the benefits of exercise and counselling are being provided by GM Counselling staff from Monday 11th October at the White Horse Hotel Campsie. For more details contact the White Horse Hotel ph. 02871 860606 or GM Counselling ph. 02871 312015.

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