How a workout can help in treating mental illness

We hear and speak a lot about how an unsettled mind can trigger illnesses of the body. Asthma, arthritis and hypertension, for instance, have a strong psychosomatic connect. What about the other way round? That is, the body's impact on the mind?

When a person is diagnosed with a serious mental illness which is either chronic in nature or is virtually incurable, such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia, medical treatment becomes the foundation for illness management. In most cases, though already being treated, those afflicted feel as though they are now shadows of their 'previous, healthy versions'. They have every reason to feel so. The mind and body become sluggish and there's no energy or motivation for any activity at all. During mania, this suddenly reverses as the upsurge of energy and drive can make one feel that she or he can work without rest. Imagine what's happening to the mind and body amid such unpredictable upheavals!

Yoga is a wonderful path to overall wellness of both mind and body. This is on multiple counts. One can begin with a few breathing exercises to calm the mind and level out stress. Asanas which are less strenuous can follow next. Gradually, the body builds up an ability to work out over extended periods. Yoga helps balance mind and body (now proven by science) and helps heal some chronic conditions.

Walking, especially among natural surroundings is highly therapeutic. Also, one can begin with short walks. For those depressed, few activities match the magic of walking amid nature. Nature is a balm which has a comforting effect on the mind. My favourites are long walks on a beach or among the greens. Beyond a point, the body might need more vigorous workouts. Many people dismiss training in gyms as a fad which originates more from the desire to look good. Even if this were so, we must look at the benefits of exercising regularly. One would not mind looking better either!

Let me share my experience. After eighteen years of practicing yoga, I thought I needed to add something more demanding to my daily routine. My wife and I joined a gym right across the road from where we stay. To begin training at ages past 50 might seem daunting, it really isn't. We are into our sixth month of training now and thoroughly enjoying the experience. To me it has made a world of difference. Being a Bipolar 2 Disorder patient, I have been on anti-depressants for the past 13 years. Each time my Psychiatrist tried to stop these, depression reared its head. Now, however, for the first time in all these years I am off anti depressants for months at a stretch and am doing fine! How did I manage to do this? The physical benefits of exercise are well documented: weight management, strengthening of bones and muscles and a work out for the heart and lungs (vital in our modern sedentary lifestyles).  

We tend to overlook the how the mind revels after exercise. Technically speaking exercising releases endorphins into the brain (the feel good chemical) which brings about a wonderful, positive feeling. It also helps produce more serotonin which alleviates depression and other mental health conditions. Even in a healthy person, regular exercise reduces stress and anxiety. It definitely explains my ability to withstand my anti-depressant withdrawal. Another positive is that my overall fitness helps me fight the lethargy which is partly brought about by my mood stabilising medication. Exercise has also increased my alertness, focus and concentration big time. As an added bonus, I am physically in better shape too and my resilience levels have been boosted. These are incredible value additions for most people and more so for people who have sought them for years.  While you read this, a word of caution. Neither am I a medical professional nor do I have any pretensions of being 'all knowing'. Since one size does not fit all, seek your doctor's advice before you embark on a vigorous fitness plan. Consult your doctor before you take a call about stopping any medication, else it can have nasty repercussions.


The write is an author, Storytelling & Personal Branding Coach, Mental Wellness Catalyst.