MENTAL Health Awareness: It’s a big issue in today's society. Well maybe because its highlighted more nowadays. But it still something that we as a nation, or even further afield, on a global status, don’t talk about so much.

It’s almost as though we see mental health issues as a weakness. An embarrassment. A burden. We seem to be ashamed to talk about it.

And yet it can affect a lot of people. Social media and the search for the ‘perfect body’ or ‘perfect life’ really heightens the level of people affected by this illness. Because that’s what it is, an illness.

You get any other illness treated. So why not mental health issues? It’s something we need to be more aware of and aim to reduce as much as possible.

Depression and mental health issues such as anxiety can be extremely difficult to talk about. And this is the majority of the problem. That we don’t talk about our issues enough. When somebody asks if you are ok, we usually answer with 'Yeah I’m fine’. But are you really?

Are you really all that fine? If yes, fantastic. If no, talk to someone. Don’t be too proud. Open up. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Suicidal rates are staggeringly high. Something that can be addressed by being more open about our issues. By burying them and keeping them to ourselves, is only going to make the matter worse. So, open up to a loved one. Friend, family member, or just someone you are very close with.

In my time as a trainer I have trained people with anxiety and depression. Something thankfully, they have opened up to me about. And one thing I have noticed is that an increase in activity levels, exercise, and improved nutrition, has really helped lower these levels and really elevate their mood.

Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever. And it doesn’t even have to be an hour on the treadmill. By exercising and keeping more active with things you enjoy, like walking, swimming, playing tennis for example, your mood will increase dramatically.

Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins (chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers) and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilise mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. About five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects.

Better nutrition can also have a big effect on your mental health. By providing your body with the sufficient nutrients it requires to function effectively, you are allowing your brain and cognitive functions the best possible chance to remain as healthy as possible.

So, to wrap up, make sure that if you are struggling with some form of issue, talk to someone. Open up. They may be able to help. They will definitely be able to help support you during tough times.

If you’d like to discuss this in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact me at mark@zenithfit.co.uk and I’ll happily help in any way I can.