It is getting closer to the winter holidays, which means the end of school work (for a while) but it also means that the holiday treats are coming. Also, the New Year resolutions to finally start working out regularly and eating healthy. In terms of mental health, everyone knows that exercise is beneficial. I know that exercise is constantly being promoted, and rightfully so. But, there should also be a focus on to barriers that prevent people who are suffering from mental health problems from engaging in regular physical activity. Advocating for daily physical activity is done with well-meaning intentions. However, it is also important for the public to consider the barriers to engaging in daily exercise that are associated with people who are suffering with mental health problems. It is not as simple as, \u201cjust get out of bed\u201d.<\/p>\n
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One factor that can be a barrier is on a philosophical level. To have the motivation and dedication to commit in daily physical activity stems from a \u201cwellness orientation\u201d. This wellness orientation is defined as a \u201cproactive concept that involves striving for balance and integration in one’s life, adding and refining skills, and rethinking previous beliefs and stances toward health-oriented behaviors\u201d (Hatfield and Hatfield, 1992). This concept is frequently absent with people who are suffering from mental health problems, and for no fault of their own. People who are dealing with mental health problems, especially more severe ones are frequently in hospitals. By residing in hospitals and going to other professional help \u201cdecisions are often being made for them. The lack of a wellness orientation can contribute to the disability experienced by a person diagnosed with mental health disorders.\u201d (Shor, 2016). Therefore, by not developing this concept due to having decisions about their health made for them, they may not know where to begin when it comes to exercise. There are a lot of types of exercise, different types for different goals, different eating patterns depending on if you want to gain muscle or loose fat. All of these decisions may overwhelm someone who has never had their own health in their control.<\/p>\n
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Another barrier is the side effects from medication that many people take for their mental illnesses. A common side effect of medication is weight gain. This weight can lead individuals to feel inadequate in their ability to exercise. A study done with 120 people who were suffering from severe mental illnesses reported that \u201cthe participants had very little confidence in their ability to exercise; in addition, they reported that they received little, if any, social support for exercise\u201d (Shor, 2016). By not having the information readily available on how to exercise and being afraid to ask due to stigmatization and fear of negative evaluations, these barriers can be emphasized in people suffering from mental health problems.<\/p>\n
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Lastly, there are many systematic barriers that can prevent people from engaging in daily physical activity. Many gym memberships are costly. Also, many people do not live close to gym facilities so transportation is also an additional cost. A study done by Odette in 2003 looked at internal barriers to exercise (no motivation, stress etc) and external barriers (costs, transportation). The most significant external barriers reported for people with mental health illnesses were \u201cfinancial barriers (e.g. inability to pay for participation in sports activities due to low level of income) and the lack of sports facilities in the residential environment of persons with mental illnesses.\u201d (Shor, 2016).<\/p>\n
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In conclusion, there could be many obstacles that prevent an individual from exercising which may not always be obvious. A healthy lifestyle is important, but this these studies serve as a reminder to not reprimand someone if they are struggling to engage in health related behaviors such as physical activity. It\u2019s important to be considerate and to have patience for those you know who are struggling.<\/p>\n
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