Suicidal thoughts, addictions, eating disorders, anxious or depressive … In terms of mental health, adolescence is a period at risk. A trend still aggravated by certain socio-economic factors and by anxiety-provoking news. To combat their appearance in puberty, physical activity can have a role to play.
Adolescence is an essential and decisive period of our development. During this phase, adolescents cross many upheavals that affect not only their body and their emotions, but also their social relationships.
This identity construction stage can be particularly trying, due in particular to the increased exposure to external pressures to which young people are exposed in search of autonomy. In the absence of adapted resources, adolescents may be victims of an emotional imbalance that increases the risk of mental disorders.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a young person from 10 to 19 in seven suffers from such disorders, or 15 % of the 1,300 million adolescents who live today on our planet. This represents approximately a sixth of the world’s population … In this age group, mental disorders are among the main causes of illness and invalidity.
Another striking figure: among 15-29 year olds, suicide is the third cause of death. An alarming statistic which underlines the urgency of implementing, from an early age, effective preventive strategies.
Adopt a good lifestyle to protect yourself from mental disorders
Depression and anxiety seem to be the most widespread affections in adolescents. These two disorders share certain symptoms and, in many cases, are treated according to similar approaches. Psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments have proven effective tools to take care of them.
To prevent their occurrence, lifestyle habits play a decisive role. Mental health recommendations insist on avoiding consuming alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Cultivating a healthy social environment and practicing regular physical activity are also part of the advice to follow. The World Health Organization and other international bodies regularly highlight the beneficial effects of the exercise, which makes it possible to strengthen physical, psychological and social well-being.
Nevertheless, these recommendations are ignored by a large part of the world’s population, and in particular by the youngest. Between 2016 and 2022, more than 80 % of young people aged 11 to 17 did not reach the objective of the sixty daily minutes of moderate physical activity.
During adolescence, many behaviors are evolving. We note in particular that the practice of sport and physical activity by students decreases significantly when they pass in secondary education.
Four conclusions in the light of science
Several recent studies show that to improve your mental health, it is important not to remain sedentary. Here are the main points on this subject:
1. Inactive adolescents have more symptoms of depression and anxiety
Young people do not practicing regular physical activity are by far those who suffer the most negative emotional symptoms (sadness, discouragement, nervousness and concern). Two recent studies, conducted in Spain with more than 10,000 adolescents, have once again confirmed it.
Moving regularly does not only strengthen the body: this also protects the mind. It is estimated that in active adolescents, the risk of presenting depressive symptoms is reduced from 20 % to 30 % compared to that incurred by their sedentary counterparts.
2. The higher the level of physical activity and performance, the less the symptoms are marked
The beneficial effect of sport on mental health depends not only on its practice, but also on its intensity and how to practice it. Inactive adolescents are up to four times more likely to suffer from moderate depressive symptoms than high -level athletes. Young people who train several hours a week and who participate in competitions, including national or international, display a better state of mind and have reduced levels of anxiety. If the type of sport does not matter, commitment and regularity are decisive.
The more structured and motivating the sporting lifestyle of a teenager, the more important the positive benefits on their mental health, especially when sport is an integral part of its daily life.
3. Teenagers suffer more
Girls tend to have more symptoms of anxiety and depression than boys, especially as they advance in adolescence and puberty.
This gap is widening from 14–15 years. According to some studies, adolescent girls have a risk of manifesting depressive symptoms 50 % to 70 % higher than their male counterparts.
The causes of this situation plunge their roots into hormonal, social and cultural changes that occur during this period. Estrogen fluctuations, increased aesthetic pressure, comparison on social networks, school harassment and less perception of physical skills reinforce this emotional vulnerability.
It is also observed that adolescent girls tend to lock themselves up in negative thoughts, repeating their concerns indefinitely in a way of thinking called “rumination”, which can exacerbate the anxious and depressive symptoms.
It is therefore essential to encourage sporting practice among adolescent girls, so that they feel confident, supported and motivated within positive and benevolent environments.
4. Sustainable profits
Finally, beyond the immediate effects, a recent literature review suggests that girls and boys practicing physical activities in leisure during childhood and adolescence could benefit from behavioral and health benefits in the long term.
In view of these elements, the authorities, coaches, relatives of adolescents and young people themselves should become aware of the benefits they can draw from the regular practice of sustained physical activity. Promoting sport, which protects and improves both the body and the mind, is essential to forge a healthier and balanced youth, key to an identical future.
