In a time where mental health awareness is more crucial than ever, there’s increasing recognition of the important role of sports and exercise in promoting well-being. Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr.Med.Sc., the current president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), sits down with me to share his insights on the intersection of lifestyle psychiatry, sports, and mental health.
Dr. Viswanathan is passionate about highlighting the six pillars of lifestyle psychiatry during his term as APA’s president. These six pillars include nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances. “Physical activity is crucial for mental and physical health,” he explains. “Research, including neuroimaging and biochemical studies, has shown that exercise increases hippocampal volume and promotes neurosynaptic function, which correlates with improved cognition and mental health measures.”
There can be positives and negatives when participating in sports at a professional level. He highlights that while engaging in sports can make physical activity more enjoyable and sustainable, it can also lead to concerns regarding self-image and performance. “Involvement in sports increases adherence to physical activity routines, and the social aspects of group sports contribute to better mental and physical health, including longevity,” says Dr. Viswanathan.
One of Dr. Viswanathan’s priorities is addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, including in sports. He notes that many high-profile athletes have openly discussed their mental health struggles, which has helped to normalize these concerns. “Mental health challenges are common, just like diabetes or hypertension. Proper treatment enables individuals to achieve high-performance levels in sports, work, and social relationships. Public education and athletes’ openness about their experience can significantly reduce stigma.”
Exercise as a Treatment for Mental Health Disorders
Dr. Viswanathan advocates for incorporating exercise into mental health treatment plans. “Studies have shown that exercise can be as effective as SSRIs in treating depression and anxiety,” says Dr. Viswanathan. “It’s not about choosing one over the other but recognizing that exercise has much more potential than people realize, so I would advocate that people with any mental health disorder in addition to conventional treatment, be prescribed exercise and physical activity,” he continues.
He observes that team sports, with their recreational and social components, can offer additional benefits. “The connectedness and enjoyment derived from sports can enhance its positive impact on mental health,” notes Dr. Viswanathan. He envisions a future where the role of exercise and sports in mental health care is widely recognized, along with the other pillars in lifestyle psychiatry. He looks forward to advocating for this during his term as APA President.
Prioritizing Mental Health in Sports Settings
In both professional and recreational sports settings, Dr. Viswanathan agrees that prioritizing mental health is essential. “Mental health significantly influences physical performance.” He also acknowledges that while participation in sports can positively impact mental health, it can also lead to some challenges, necessitating mental health interventions to help athletes manage challenges well.
He also stresses the importance of addressing psychological readiness to return to play after a physical injury. “Injuries are not just physical but psychological as well and addressing both aspects is crucial for recovery. Sports psychiatry plays a vital role here, as trained sports psychiatrists understand the complexities involved,” says Dr. Viswanathan. He astutely notes that if an athlete returns too soon, it can harm them, so a calculated approach is essential when reintroducing them to their sport.
A Vision for the Future
The APA is committed to promoting the integration of mental health care with lifestyle interventions and sports settings. “Many psychiatrists focus primarily on medication, but a balanced approach is vital – while physical activity is an important component of mental health, nutrition, sleep, avoidance of smoking, and stress management are equally important, as these factors collectively enhance sports performance and mental well-being,” says Dr. Viswanathan.
APA President, Dr. Viswanathan, sees sports psychiatry as a recognized sub-specialty within psychiatry. “Given the prevalence of sports, there is a need for specialists who have expertise on these psychological factors in that environment,” notes Dr. Viswanathan. His vision for integrating sports and exercise into mental health care aligns with his broader platform of lifestyle psychiatry. As the APA continues to promote these principles, the future looks promising for the intersection of sports, exercise, and mental health.
