Later this year I’ve decided to sign up for the Nike Half Marathon and to fundraise as much as I can for Movember for Men’s Mental Health.
As someone who has seen firsthand people suffering from depression and anxiety especially in men, I’ve wanted to raise as much awareness as I can and for me what better way than to run and spread awareness!
In 2021;
- 21.5% of people had a 12-month mental disorder, with anxiety being the most common group (17.2% of people aged 16–85 years). (1)
- 38.8% of people aged 16–24 years had a 12-month mental disorder. (1)
Since the last time in 2007 when a National Mental Health Collection had been taken, the amount of mental health conditions had increased significantly across all variables.
|
Metric |
2007 |
2020–22 |
Change |
|
Overall 12-month mental disorder (16–85) |
~20% |
21.5% |
+1.5 percent |
|
12-month Anxiety disorder |
14.4% |
17.2% |
+2.8 percent |
|
12-month mental disorder (16–24) |
26.4% |
38.8% |
+12.4 percent |
Figure 1. 2007 vs 2020-2022 Mental Health Statistics. (1,2)
I know that whenever I’ve been anxious or have needed to mentally de-stress, I’ve always either gone for a run, gym or completed some form of exercise. It’s always been an escape from the stresses of life.
Furthermore, as exercise is free to do, it’s been greatly beneficial as it’s something that I can do with my own volition without the need for large costs. Additionally, whilst most of the exercise I do is structured sometimes it isn’t. This has included having a casual hit of tennis, throwing the NFL ball with my friends or kicking the footy. All of these have provided not only myself, but also my friends to enjoy exercise and chat about what is bothering us now helping to reduce symptoms of mental health.
What current literature says
A randomised control trial [trial with participants randomised to a group] found; (3)
- A positive correlation between regular exercise [resistance and aerobic] and improvements in mental health
- Undertaking regular exercise for at least 120 Minutes per week saw a moderate increase in mental health and decrease in symptoms of depression/anxiety.
- Shorter, yet frequent sessions had a greater effect on the improvement of mental health than two large bouts of exercise.
Additionally, a review article [multiple different studies] of aerobic, resistance, and combined training looking at the effects of mental health found; (4)
- Across all its reviewed studies whether it be aerobic, resistance or combined, all saw a decrease across depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Those having cancer-related treatment, a small home exercise program was enough to significantly improve depression and anxiety symptoms. (4)
What are the key takeaways from this?
Exercise is a great tool when used effectively to help the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall mental health. (3,4) Furthermore, it also provides us with the power to have conversations with friends to help them destress and reduce their symptoms they may be feeling. However, it is important to note that exercise alone may not be enough in some circumstances and further help may be needed. (3,4) Additionally, it is also vital to mention that overexercising can cause the opposite effect due to burnout. (3, 4) Not sure where to start your exercise journey? Visit us in clinic, gives us a call or book in with one of our Exercise Physiologists who will be able to guide you on your exercise journey!
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References:
-
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022 [Internet]. Canberra: ABS; 2024 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from:
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Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of results, 2007 [Internet]. Canberra: ABS; 2008 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from:
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Carcelén-Fraile MD, Déniz-Ramírez ND, Sabina-Campos J, Aibar-Almazán A, Rivas-Campo Y, González-Martín AM, Castellote-Caballero Y. Exercise and nutrition in the mental health of the older adult population: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 1;16(11):1741.
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Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Polenakovic M, Bosevski M, Apostolopoulos V. Exercise and mental health. Maturitas. 2017 Dec 1;106:48-56.
Joel Mascioli
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
