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Physical Activity: An Adolescent Anti-Depressant

Physical Activity:  An Adolescent Anti-Depressant

Adolescent depression is a phenomenon so common that it is often dismissed as ‘teen angst’. But it is a serious issue: 20% of adolescent boys and 40% of adolescent girls display symptoms of depression. With suicide being a leading cause of youth death in Australia today - second only to car accidents - riding or walking to school could literally save lives. 

Many adolescents lack self-esteem and confidence. This affects their friendships and schoolwork, as well as their happiness. Riding or walking to school is an easy way of beating depression by boosting social, academic and body confidence.

More physical, better grades
Did you know that physically active students have more focus in the classroom and retain more information? Results showed that if a school increased physical activity by using time from regular classes, academic performance actually improved! Riding and walking to school is a great way to increase physical activity every day without altering the school schedule.

Safety in numbers
The fear of failing often stops teens joining in team sports. Many adolescents believe that excelling in a physical activity makes an individual more likeable and socially confident. Riding and walking is a great way for teens to participate without the competitive edge, yet still reap the benefits of being physically active.

Riding and walking to school in groups is also a great way to beat the stress of schoolwork and exams. Group activities as simple as riding and walking reduce hormonal stress responses which run at an all-time high during adolescence. Exercising together often becomes a fun social activity that continues outside school commutes.

Foundations for a healthy future
Being active improves a teen’s confidence in making healthy choices about their future. Adolescents who feel in control of their own body and health are less likely to smoke. Furthermore, active adolescents become active adults with a better quality of life. They are less anxious and depressed, and are better at coping with stress.

Get involved!
Sometimes it is difficult to influence the behaviour of adolescents; however there are ways that parents and schools can help. Many adolescents are afraid of embarrassing themselves so sit on the sidelines rather than join in with sports: suggesting that students who ride or walk to school with friends will improve their confidence with exercise. Encouraging riding outside of the school journey will also make being active more social and fun; why not suggest a riding club or local skate-park meet?

Simply riding or walking to school has countless benefits. For teens who usually take public transport to and from school, a money jar could be suggested where they put the money they would have otherwise spent on the tram or train. Perhaps a parent could even offer to match the savings after they reach a set target as an incentive!

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References
• Hume, C., Carver, A., Timperio, A., Salmon, J., Crawford, D. What influences whether children walk or cycle to school? Deakin University Press, The Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research.
• Veitch, J., Cleland, V., Salmon, J., Hume, C., Timperio, A., Crawford, D. Children’s and adolescents’ physical activity during the critical window. Deakin University Press, The Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research.
• Walk to School. Backseat Children: How our car dependent culture compromises safety on our streets, 2008.
• Larun L., Nordheim L.V., Ekeland, E., Hagen K.B., Heian, F. Exercise in prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression among children and young people. Norweigan Knowledge Centre for the Health Sciences, 2006.
• De Moor, M.H.M., Beem, A.L., Stubbe, J.H., Boomsma, D.I., De Geus, E.J.C. Regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality: A population-based study. Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, 2006.
• Youth Suicide in Australia: Facts and Figures, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Centre for Adolescent Health, 2011.