PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH: PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES ON PREVENTION AND PROMOTION

Physical activity is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of mental health promotion and psychiatric disorder prevention. This article examines the evidence linking regular physical activity to improved mental health outcomes, drawing on epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic research published between 2015 and 2025. A public health lens is applied to explore population-level strategies for increasing participation in physical activity, with particular emphasis on addressing health inequalities, implementing community-based interventions, and reforming policy frameworks. Findings indicate that even moderate levels of physical activity confer significant benefits across a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The article concludes by identifying key gaps and proposing a multilevel approach to embedding physical activity within national mental health strategies.