In the News

Being more social and getting some exercise can help people feel better about themselves and improve their mental health struggles. It won’t fix everything, and we must stop pretending they will. If elite athletes can struggle with mental health, we can’t go around stigmatizing people dealing with depression as lazy folks who need a good workout, and we can’t tell someone who’s introverted and struggling with anxiety to meet more people and expect that will cure them. 

It’s likely not going to cure them any more than a day in the grass would heal bipolar disorder or hallucinations. 

That also doesn’t mean they are worthless endeavors. Having close connections and getting some exercise in nature are, generally, good things. 

They aren’t a replacement for solid mental healthcare, though. Our mental health is a little more complicated than that.