What’s in This Article for You?
This article focuses on the following main topics:

• The impact of depression, both on individuals and on
  society as a whole.
  
  
• The role of physical activity in preventing and treating depression.
  
  
• How much physical activity people need to benefit their mental health.
  
  
• Bridging disciplines: The need for dialogue between physical
  activity and mental health professionals.

WellSpring article (pdf, 4 pp, 395 KB)

Other WellSpring Issues

News from the centre

USEFUL LINKS ON THIS WELLSPRING TOPIC

• Alberta Centre for Active Living. The centre’s “Mental Health” website section
  contains a wide variety of resources on physical activity and mental health.
  
  Included in this section are the podcasts and other information
  from a 2006 centre workshop that brought physical activity and mental
  health professionals together in Alberta.
  
  
• At least five aweek: Evidence on the impact of physical activity
  and its relationship to health. A report from the Chief Medical Officer.
  This document from the U.K. sets out the latest research on the
  benefits of physical activity for health, including a chapter on
  physical activity and mental health.
  
  
• Canadian Mental Health Association. The Canadian Mental Health
  Association promotes the mental health of all and supports
  the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
  
  
• Mind guide to physical activity. Mind is a mental health charity in
  England and Wales. Mind has produced a series of self-help booklets,
  including one on physical activity.