NEW YORK, June 15, 2021 / PRNewswire / – The United States is facing a mental health crisis like never before. Since 1999, suicide rates have increased by 35 percent; about 8 million deaths each year are attributable to mental disorders; and at any given time, 18% of adults in the United States are living with a mental illness. Mental health issues have skyrocketed among the general public during the pandemic. In addition to the staggering numbers, access to mental health care is limited and almost exclusively focused on drugs, psychotherapy and hospitalization. The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation was created to expand our approaches to mental and emotional well-being, including exercise, nutrition, and body-mind practices.

But, is there an evidence base for these approaches?

Move Your Mental Health ™ (https://www.johnwbrickfoundation.org/move-your-mental-health-report/), written by the JWB Foundation science team, answers this question with a resounding yes, especially when it comes to exercise. The report and accompanying online interactive data visualization synthesizes thirty years of scientific studies linking physical activity to mental well-being, and provides recommendations on how to integrate these findings into a well-designed treatment plan. balanced. More importantly, the report recommends that for people with depression, exercise be prescribed and monitored for the first 12 weeks, just as physical therapy would be for an injury.

This user-friendly report summarizes data from over 1,100 studies, examining more than 20 types of physical activity in relation to different mental health outcomes. Twenty different exercises are featured, from yoga to running, describing how each influences a variety of mental health issues, including: depression, anxiety, mood, and schizophrenia. The practical and easy-to-understand report ends with recommendations, daily apps, trends to watch, and suggestions for future research, providing a clear roadmap for healthcare professionals, educators, clinic managers, decision-makers, patients and families.

Dr. Richard carmona, 17^e General surgeon of United States, said: “The Brick Foundation has done a tremendous job synthesizing the science of exercise and mental health. Essential reading for mental health professionals and everyone in the wellness industry. ” Dr. Mimi Guarneri, President of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, said: “” The JWB Mental Health Foundation has made a revolutionary contribution to expanding our approaches to mental health care and making accessible 30 years of research on the movement and mental health to guide families and professionals in incorporating physical activity to promote mental and emotional well-being.

Victor and Lynne Brick, who owns more than 75 Planet Fitness health clubs, founded the organization in honor of Victor’s brother, who suffered and eventually died of complications from schizophrenia. Through research, programs and collaboration, the John W. Brick Foundation aims to empower people with mental health challenges to enjoy better lives. More people are talking about their mental health journey than ever before. Accompanying this reduction in stigma, the disciplines of exercise, nutrition and the mind-body empower people to take action with a wide range of evidence-based approaches to support their mental well-being. and emotional.

Contact: Beth grossman, 212-949-4071, [email protected] or Carina Sammartino, [email protected]

SOURCE John W. Brick Foundation