Exercise is an underutilized antidepressant

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about suicide and to break down stigmas associated with mental health, an often taboo subject matter.

I’ve always believed exercise can change a child’s entire outlook. Unfortunately, most schools no longer provide regular physical education programs, and many of kids don’t have regular interactions with real people, but instead make superficial connections through social media. And while they may feel connected, the lack of face-to-face interaction actually leaves them feeling more isolated, which can lead to increased mental health crises.

Sadly, that’s what we are witnessing. Children are struggling with mental health. Between mass shootings, the pandemic and cyberbullying through social media, children are suffering. It’s estimated that approximately 8% of youths attempt suicide each year, and more than 15% seriously consider it.

Depression, anxiety and substance abuse pose a major public health concern. And now the Child Mind Institute has said that “evidence is mounting that there is a link between social media and depression.”

In several studies, teenage and young adult users who spend the most time on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms had a substantially (13% to 66%) higher rate of reported depression than those who spent the least time. Cyberbullying has increased substantially over the years. In fact, more than 40% of children are bullied online and 9 out of 10 have had their feelings hurt while online.

While social media has many benefits, the downside is too large to ignore. Parents need to lead the charge by instilling a good balance between time spent online and time spent offline. Ensuring that kids take part in sports, exercise, hobbies and regular interaction with family and friends will give a child a healthier mental outlook. Sports alone help children build positive bonds, reduce instances of drug abuse, strengthen friendships and create new ones.

While I don’t have all the solutions to improving mental health, I can tell you from personal experience that exercise is one of the most powerful and easiest tools to implement in helping improve one’s general outlook.

I’ve been advocating the benefits of exercise for kids for more than 45 years, and have witnessed firsthand the profound impact it has had on children that I’ve worked with over the years. Not only does it combat childhood obesity, but it also improves academic performance and mental health.

Don’t just take my word for it. The American Psychological Association reviewed 114 studies and found that “young people who exercise more have lower levels of depression, stress and psychological distress, and higher levels of positive self-image, life satisfaction and psychological well-being.”

Simply stated, the most underutilized antidepressant is exercise. Low-intensity exercise improves brain function and makes kids feel better, while high-intensity workouts three to four times a week can reduce clinical depression.

The benefits of exercise are not up for debate. It reduces feelings of depression, enhances mood, improves sleep and gives one an overall sense of emotional well-being. Because of this, I’ve spent a substantial portion of my career working to put fitness centers in elementary and middle schools across the United States, and this year I’m doing the same for Sedway Middle School in North Las Vegas and Gunderson Middle School in Las Vegas, as well as Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada in Sparks.

The bottom line is that we must act now in priortizing children’s mental health. Exercise is a tangible benefit and introducing physical activity and fitness to kids is good medicine. Exercise will help kids maintain a healthy weight, improve their mental health and ultimately enrich their quality of life.

Children are our most precious resource. When our kids are mentally healthy and strong, the future of our great nation will be strong. Don’t quit!

Jake Steinfeld serves as chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, whose mission is to provide Don’t Quit Fitness Centers to elementary and middle schools.