Physical activity can prevent suicide attempts, a new survey suggests.
- France has one of the highest suicide rates among European countries.
- A new study shows that physical activity prevents acting out.
- No relationship was found between physical activity and suicidal ideation.
A recent study published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews explored how physical activity can help people struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Previous research has extensively documented the benefits of exercise in improving mental health and has even suggested that its effectiveness is comparable to that of pharmacological interventions. However, the direct relationship between sport and the reduction of suicidal behavior has not previously been the subject of such in-depth study.
By synthesizing data from seven studies involving 141,691 participants, the researchers highlighted the complex relationship between physical exercise and the various suicidal dimensions.
Lack of physical activity associated with higher likelihood of suicide attempts
An early study of psychiatric inpatients found that people with a history of suicide attempts were significantly less likely to engage in light, moderate, or vigorous physical activity than controls without such a history.
Similarly, other research found that lack of physical activity was associated with a higher likelihood of suicide attempts among people with depression, alcoholism, or serious medical conditions.
No significant relationship between physical activity levels and suicidal ideation
When it comes to suicidal ideation, however, researchers have obtained more mixed results. Three studies have explored this aspect and reached varying conclusions.
Research has shown that regular exercise is associated with a reduced risk of suicidal ideation in certain subgroups, depending on the number of therapy sessions.
However, two other studies – one of patients with chronic mental illnesses and the other of patients with major depressive disorders – did not find a significant relationship between physical activity levels and suicidal thoughts.
“Exercise, exercise, exercise, unless there are contraindications related to your physical or mental health, such as angina or anorexia”finally advises the director of the trial Marco Solmi, professor and research director at the University of Ottawa.
Young French people have more and more suicidal ideas
According to a new survey by Public Health Franceyoung French people are having more and more suicidal ideas and are taking action more often.
“France has one of the highest suicide rates among European countries. As abroad, the health crisis caused by the Covid-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of the population,” explain the authors of the report in their report.
