Physical Exercise and Psychological Wellbeing - Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Physical Exercise and Psychological Wellbeing. Answer: Introduction: Depression even cause physical damage to an individual as it results in the loss of appetite and the enthusiasm to do anything. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), depression can lead to a serious health condition that might cause the affected individual to suffer and perform badly at school or work or within the family and society (Who.int, 2018). It might even lead to suicide. Close to a million people, commit suicide every year that stems from depression. In case of Mauritius, depression has been identified as a critical issue as per the Mauritius Non Communicable Diseases Survey 2015. According to the survey, 13.1% men and 19.6% women suffer from depression. The country was ranked 93 in the list of countries with most cases of depression in 2014 (Health.govmu.org, 2018). Every year, hundreds of people in the country commit suicide due to depression. It is important to understand the reason for depression but it is more important to understand the perfect remedy for this illness. Physical exercise is a very effective means to control depression and even end it. It has been found that physical exercise contributes majorly to reducing depressive symptoms amongst individuals. It might lead to the assumption that sportsperson never suffer from depression since they are most active physically but the truth is otherwise. This paper will shed light on the association between physical exercise and psychological wellbeing focusing mainly on depression and anxiety. The essay will also analyze the repercussions of depression in sports and the need to include physical exercise as a fundamental requirement in addressing this issue. Any physical activity results in the improvement of health and reduces the danger of acquiring diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even depression. According to Reiner et al., (2013), physical activity is associated with better health and it prevents the development of disease. One of the most important benefits of physical exercise is that it results in a healthier and stronger state of mind. When one is engaged in any sort of physical activity, it gives that person the chance to divert all the negative thoughts and feel relaxed. Studies around the globe have found that exercise is an exceedingly effective method to fight mental disorders like depression. Zschucke, Gaudlitz and Strhle (2013) point out that exercise or any physical activity can have therapeutic benefits when used as sole or adjunct treatment in mental disorders. Their study found that the target group with higher levels of anxiety had lower benefits of physical activity whereas those with lower levels of anxiety had better results of physical activity. However, with increased attention of physical activity, the target group showed signs of improved mental stability. In the field of sports, although physical activity is the maximum, depression and anxiety are also a common occurrence. The prime reason for depression amongst sportspersons is the regular occurrence of injuries that compel them to stay out of the field for weeks or even months. Apart from that, negative incidences in their personal life also exert influence in their minds causing stress and anxiety. Rabinowitz, Li and Levin (2014) mention that non-sports persons are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety that the sports persons. The authors put forward their argument by stating that since non-sports persons are less active physically than the sports persons; they are more likely to incur depression and anxiety. As discussed in the previous section, being psychologically healthy has a lot to do with being physically active. Psychological wellbeing refers to an individuals positive state of mind. It comprises positive relationship with the people around, self-sufficiency and development. Psychological wellbeing is achieved when an individual is able to balance between challenges and rewards that life throws at him or her. As explained by Houben, Van Den Noortgate and Kuppens (2015), psychological wellbeing allows a person to achieve difficult things in life without having to worry about the results. They further comment that psychological wellbeing is characterized by specific patterns of emotional fluctuations across time. In their view, psychological flourishing or wellbeing is evident in a person when he or she demonstrates control over his or her emotional flux. One can agree with the authors because controlling emotions is one of the toughest things to do and those who achieve that can b e considered to be psychologically sound. Carol D. Ryff was probably the first psychologist who developed a scale to measure different elements of psychological wellbeing. Popularized as The Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being, it had six main facets. These included self-acceptance, establishment of quality ties, sense of autonomy, ability to manage complex environments, pursuit of meaningful goals and sense of purpose in life and continued development and growth as individual (Ryff, 2014). These facets help explain the level of psychological wellbeing possessed by an individual. Those who score high on the scale generally have a better psychological wellbeing than those who score low. Lower scores indicate the presence of or the increase in depression and anxiety in the individual. Ryffs scale provides a solid ground from which one can understand the meaning of being psychologically well; however, it cannot be taken as the only source to understand the topic. Physical activity helps in acquiring control over many of the facets explained in Ryffs scale like sense of autonomy, managing complex environments and continued development and growth. Gladwell et al. (2013) believe that physical activity has a positive influence not only on the psychological wellbeing but also on physiological wellbeing as well. The authors state that physical activity positively influences psychological wellbeing that too within a short duration. Due to an improved psychological health, the overall wellbeing also witnesses positive results. Physical activity, states the author further, has the capacity to slow down the process of aging. In the life of sportsmen, physical activity is of utmost importance. In their cases, the influence is two-way because they dedicate a major part of their lives in physical activity and thus they have to stay psychologically balanced as well. To simplify it, sportspersons do not have to be compelled to engage in physical exercises t o attain psychological prowess rather they have to be trained to remain psychologically fit. Silveira et al. (2013), while mentioning the report of WHO on major depressive disorder (MOD), stated that physical exercise has the capacity to treat MOD without the use of antidepressant medication as suggested by most therapists. They further state that only one-fourth of the population has access to medications and treatment. Physical exercise thus provides an affordable option to the population to overcome psychological illness. In recent years, physical exercise has gained increased importance after researchers found its effectiveness in curing numerous illnesses (Crow, Jeannot Trewhela, 2015). In schools and colleges, physical exercise was given least importance, as it had nothing to do with academic excellence. Archer and Garcia (2014) argue that the negligence of primary institutions in providing a concrete solution for psychological development of youngsters result in increased number of suicides and other menaces. The authors further their argument stating that physical e xercise as a compulsory subject in schools, colleges and universities should be allotted equal significance as other subjects. VanKim and Nelson (2013) on the other hand claim that there has been an increase in the importance of physical activity in these institutions, which is evident from the participation of young males and females in gymnastics and other sports. Overall, it is extremely important to include children and youngsters within the framework of psychological wellbeing and the fight against depression and anxiety because they are the most vulnerable group. In a report published by the WHO, around 10% to 20% children are diagnosed with mental disorders around the globe (Who.int, 2018). Mental illness starts to appear in children by the age of 14 and if not treated in time, it may lead to acute condition or even suicides. These facts have prompted the scholars and educators to give due importance to physical activities that provides affordable and effective care to non-co mmunicable disease like depression. The statistics on suicides and increasing number of mental illness around the globe led several researchers to find a prominent cure to this. This led to the numerous studies on the link between physical activity and psychological wellbeing. Although most of the studies supported the assumption, it needs mentioning that excessive physical activity might even reverse the affect. Indulging in severe physical activity might cause injuries. In a news report published in The Telegraph, UK, excessive training and physical exercise may lead to the weakening of the gut lining thus causing induction of toxins and germs into the body. To add to that, it may even lead to mental ill health. Studies on excessive training have shown that the people who are addicted to long hours at the gym have the same biochemical symptoms as those with clinical depression (Telegraph.co.uk, 2018). Amongst athletes, this excessive involvement in physical exercise is termed as overtraining syndrome. Brooks and Cart er (2013) explain this syndrome as the complex occurrence in the body, which can result from several training and non-training factors. These factors might include flaws in training design, inadequate nutrition, training too much on recovery days and insufficient sleep amongst others. The influence of overtraining syndrome on psychological wellbeing can be viewed from the athletes perspective who finds it hard to recover from the stress of not being able to participate in any activity. It ultimately leads to depression, sometimes even clinical depression and other related illnesses. It therefore is evident that physical activity mostly has positive influence on the psychological wellbeing of an individual. The negative influence can be said is due to the lack of awareness regarding proper techniques and training. In the past, depression and anxiety patients were stereotyped as being mentally ill and beyond treatment. However, this notion changed gradually although not completely. Even today, those suffering from depression are designated as mad or mentally disturbed who cannot be allowed to stay with normal people. With the advancement in medical sciences, treatment for depression and anxiety has become accessible to most people but complete awareness about the illness still lacks. In the field of sports, a misconception prevails that this illness has the least impact (Hammond, Davies Su, 2015). Now, some might comment as to how does then physical activity reduce depression and anxiety as sportspersons dedicate most of their time to physical activity. The points mentioned in the previous section about the overtraining syndrome can contest this argument. Apart from that, psychological health depends on a persons personal life as well. The incidences and events happening in a players personal life can cause stress and depression. In addition, prolonged injuries also lead to weak psychological conditions amongst players. Owen et al. (2015) present this argument in clearer words by stating that when players are injured, they become skeptic of whether they could recover or not and the duration for which they will have to be out of the field. The reverse also happens in many cases as well when players go through difficult emotional situation in personal life. The personal troubles lead to injuries as players find it difficult to pay close attention to their game. Sportspersons when diagnosed with depression or anxiety become more stressed that leads them to the extent of resorting to violence. Melo et al. (2018) found that female sportspersons are more prone to depression and anxiety than male sportspersons. The findings can be agreed upon because compared to male athletes; females have increased pressure of performing and looking after the family. Female athletes also have to face perceived and personal stigmas that escalate their mental illness. However, male athletes too have to face the pressure of performing in each game and providing support to their family. In order to help athletes recover from depression, proper training must be provided. A trainer has to understand the psychology of the athlete and assure him or her that he or she is will recover from it. Physical injuries like a direct or indirect knock to the head might cause traumatic brain injury (TBI) like concussions. It can influence not only the physical health but emotional and mental health as well. When a sportsperson is diagnosed with TBI, it might lead to anxiety and depression. Putukian (2016) suggests that any reason that leads to the occurrence of anxiety and depression in a sportsperson might end his or her career if not given timely and proper treatment. Mills and Giles, (2017) hold the increasing psychological tendency of players to stay in shape and look better than others responsible for depression and anxiety. According to the authors, most players have the tendency to train harder and more than required so that they could always stay ahead in the race. When they fail to meet the desired goal, they develop anxiety and ultimately depression. Instances from the real world abound with players who have battled depression and while some managed to come back from it, o thers were not so lucky. A balanced routine of physical exercise can go to great extent in helping a sportsperson in being psychologically well (Marcos et al., 2015) It is important for the concerned trainers and physiotherapists to plan a routine that comprises limited amount of physical activity. Further, they must also make sure that the physical activity does not involve only exercise but other activities as well. These may include visiting any event or program and socialize with people. Although it might not be considered an effective activity, but it largely helps in coping with depression. In sports, it is critical to remain healthy and focused throughout the career for any athlete or player. Anxiety and depression proves a big hindrance in sports because it weakens the players mentally as well as physically. It causes a loss of appetite, sleep deprivation and in extreme cases, hallucinations and insanity as well (Anderson Shivakumar, 2013). Physical training in a balanced way along with social support greatly helps in overcoming such situations. In the end, it can be stated that physical exercise has a great influence on the psychological wellbeing of individuals. The influence is mostly positive however, it might exert negative influence as well if not practiced cautiously. Psychological wellbeing refers to the positivity felt by an individual in everyday work and in tackling the challenges in life. However, certain circumstances cause individuals lose their psychological health and go into depression. In the world of sports, psychological wellbeing is of utmost importance as is physical health. Although sportspersons are physically more active than non-sportspersons, they are still prone to depression and anxiety. One of the many reasons for this is their inability to cope with situations like injuries, poor performances and balancing between personal and professional life. The essay tried to provide a detailed analysis of the link between physical exercise and psychological wellbeing. In addition, it also discussed the re percussions of anxiety and depression in sports and on sportspersons. The essay further analyzed the views and opinions of other researchers that helped in providing a clear explanation of the issue. In addition, the essay focused on the role of the trainers in providing proper training to the players to help them recover from depression. It also mentioned the importance physical exercise has on every individuals life whether a sportsperson or not. It must however be suggested that further studies on the role of physical exercise in helping people fight with acute illness be carried out. References: Anderson, E. H., Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety.Frontiers in psychiatry,4, 27. Archer, T., Garcia, D. (2014). Physical exercise influences academic performance and well-being in children and adolescents.International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology,1(1). Brooks, K., Carter, J. (2013). Overtraining, exercise, and adrenal insufficiency.J Nov Physiother,3(125), 11717. Crow, E. M., Jeannot, E., Trewhela, A. (2015). Effectiveness of Iyengar yoga in treating spinal (back and neck) pain: a systematic review.International journal of yoga,8(1), 3. Depression. (2018).World Health Organization. Retrieved 9 April 2018, from https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/ Gladwell, V. F., Brown, D. K., Wood, C., Sandercock, G. R., Barton, J. L. (2013). The great outdoors: how a green exercise environment can benefit all.Extreme physiology medicine,2(1), 3. Hammond, D., Davies, D., Su, Z. (2015). Do We Forget to Treat Concussion?.Faculty Dental Journal,6(2), 86-89. Health.govmu.org. (2018).The Trends in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Mauritius The Mauritius Non Communicable Diseases Survey 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2018, from https://health.govmu.org/English/Statistics/Documents/Mauritius%20NCD%20Survey%202015%20Report.pdf Houben, M., Van Den Noortgate, W., Kuppens, P. (2015). The relation between short-term emotion dynamics and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis.Psychological bulletin,141(4), 901. Marcos, A., Manonelles, P., Palacios, N., Wrnberg, J., Casajs, J. A., Prez, M., ... Ortega, E. (2014). Physical activity, hydration and health.Nutricion hospitalaria,29(6). Melo, R., Ribeiro, P. S., Lacerda, A., Habib, L. R., Landeira-Fernandez, J., Filgueiras, A. (2018). Last decade of research in depression and concussion among athletes: a systematic review.Revista Brasileira de Psicologia do Esporte,7(2). Mills, C. D., Giles, G. J. (2017). Body Image concerns of Male Rugby Players, with specific focus on Muscularity and Body Fat.Journal of Obesity and Overweight,3(1), 103-110. Owen, A. L., Forsyth, J. J., Wong, D. P., Dellal, A., Connelly, S. P., Chamari, K. (2015). Heart ratebased training intensity and its impact on injury incidence among elite-level professional soccer players.The Journal of Strength Conditioning Research,29(6), 1705-1712. Putukian, M. (2016). The psychological response to injury in student athletes: a narrative review with a focus on mental health.Br J Sports Med,50(3), 145-148. Rabinowitz, A. R., Li, X., Levin, H. S. (2014). Sport and nonsport etiologies of mild traumatic brain injury: similarities and differences.Annual review of psychology,65, 301-331. Reiner, M., Niermann, C., Jekauc, D., Woll, A. (2013). Long-term health benefits of physical activitya systematic review of longitudinal studies.BMC public health,13(1), 813. Ryff, C. D. (2014). Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of eudaimonia.Psychotherapy and psychosomatics,83(1), 10-28. Telegraph.co.uk. (2018).Too much exercise is bad for your gut and the other dangers of over training.The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 April 2018, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/much-exercise-bad-gut-dangers-training/ VanKim, N. A., Nelson, T. F. (2013). Vigorous physical activity, mental health, perceived stress, and socializing among college students.American Journal of Health Promotion,28(1), 7-15. Who.int. (2018).Child and adolescent mental health.World Health Organization. Retrieved 9 April 2018, from https://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/child_adolescent/en/