Look Good - Feel Even Better

Apr 7, 2008

Did you know exercise may help you be happier? Studies show that people who exercise regularly experience less anxiety, handle stress well and have a better self-esteem, all which lead to good overall mental health. Anyone who makes exercising a habit can experience an uplifted mood, improved motivation, increased energy and a positive self-image due to the combination of physical and psychological effects exercise can have on the body. Some people have even reported exercise helps them forget their everyday worries and also improves their performance at work.

While exercise cannot prevent mental health problems from developing and should not be used as a replacement for treatment, people who do and do not suffer from any mental health problems report that exercise helps relieve symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety.

ADAMH-funded Dublin Counseling Center, in partnership with local community centers, saw the need for a program that uses exercise as a means to conduct therapy. By providing access to individuals who would normally not have the funding to work-out in a fitness facility the Dublin Counseling Center’s Exercise Program is giving its clients a chance to be more active and improve their physical as well as their mental health.

Lisa Brickert the program’s instructor knows the importance of exercise programs, “I enjoy exercising and can feel the benefits it has on my physical health and my mental health. I have always encouraged my clients to exercise, but they have always had some sort of barrier that would prohibit them from exercising. “Brickert said. “With this program, participants are able to work with a trained individual (me) that has knowledge and experience in both physical fitness and mental health.”

The Dublin Counseling Center started this program using system innovation grant funds from ADAMH in January of 2008. The participants of the program meet twice a week to exercise under Brickert’s supervision. “I am available for any questions or to monitor their exercise techniques, as well as any anxiety that they may have,” Brickert said.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, persons who are inactive are twice as likely to have symptoms of depression than active people. Programs like the one at the Dublin Counseling Center give individuals who have trouble staying active the motivation and support they need to become more active and improve their overall physical and mental health.

The Dublin Counseling Center Exercise program is currently offered to the clients of the Dublin Counseling Center only and has still have positions available. Interested persons would contact the Center directly with questions at (614) 889-5722.

ADAMH is Franklin County’s authority for planning, funding and evaluating mental health, alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment services. ADAMH-funded services are provided by a local network of more than 40 not-for-profit providers and offered on a sliding-fee scale, making them affordable for any county resident, regardless of income. For more information, please visit www.adamhfranklin.org.

Press Contacts
Alisha Wilkes or Aimee Shadwick
Phone: (614) 222-3767