As life and individual difficulties increase, our capacity to generate solutions to these challenges can gradually decrease. The impact of mental disorders and mood disturbances on our quality of life has become quite visible today. A clear example of this interaction is depression, a common mental health disorder that we frequently encounter.
Depression is a clinical picture in which the individual experiences dejected mood, heightened hopelessness, and a marked reduction in positive affect, vitality, and motivation. The symptoms defined in the DSM-5 and their persistence over a specific duration allow for the clinical diagnosis of depression as a disorder. Within this framework, depression is not merely an emotional state; it is a psychopathology that affects emotional experience, cognitive processes, and behavior in a holistic manner.
Happiness is a state most individuals wish to achieve and is often associated with a reduction in negative affect. Mental well-being, however, encompasses a much broader scope than happiness alone. It includes self-actualization, increased self-awareness, and life satisfaction. Mental well-being therefore represents a fundamental structure that fuels an individual’s motivation to find meaning and sustain life.
The Psychological Effects Of Movement
Studies conducted in recent years strongly demonstrate that physical health, bodily sensations, and daily routines directly influence mental health. The positive effects of physical activity and movement-based practices on psychological functioning have become increasingly evident.
Regular exercise and movement have been shown to positively influence the course of many mental disorders, particularly depression. More broadly, movement functions as a protective factor that supports emotional balance, inner peace, and psychological health at both individual and societal levels. A body in motion regulates affect, enhances stress management, and contributes to improvements in cognitive functioning. Movement thus represents a multi-layered process that impacts not only the body but also the mind.
These benefits can be explained through several neurobiological mechanisms. One such mechanism is the increased release of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) associated with physical activity. BDNF supports neuronal survival and development, strengthening brain regions involved in memory and executive functioning. Another key mechanism involves increased release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin, both of which are directly linked to mood regulation.
The reciprocal relationship between movement and emotion, supported by motivation, allows individuals to reconnect with past experiences and express non-verbal psychological content. Consequently, movement-based interventions—such as Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT)—have been shown to yield positive outcomes for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and anxiety. Systematic evidence demonstrates that interventions incorporating physical activity significantly reduce psychological symptoms both in the general population and in clinical settings.
Self-Awareness
Movement also supports the development of self-awareness by helping individuals recognize their physical boundaries, bodily sensations, and behavioral patterns. Establishing routines through exercise and engaging with the body in a mindful way reflects an orientation toward understanding one’s inner and psychological self.
As individuals become more attuned to bodily sensations and movement, the healing potential of movement has increasingly been integrated into clinical practice and empirical research, with its effectiveness consistently demonstrated. Understanding the interaction between body and mind—and observing its applicability in daily life—is critically important for mental health, as emphasized across numerous scientific studies.
While in motion, individuals transform not only themselves but also their interaction with their environment. Movement therefore provides a space for recovery that is not solely physical, but also psychological and interpersonal.
Applicability And Conclusion
All forms of movement integrated into daily life—such as simple breathing exercises, stretching routines, and mindful walking—represent an investment in mental health. The capacity of movement to alleviate symptoms related to mental health is therefore a valuable and accessible resource.
Considering the restorative effects of movement on conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, cultivating awareness of this potential and applying it consciously in both clinical practice and everyday life offers significant benefits. The balance, awareness, and emotional regulation fostered through bodily movement provide a practical and effective tool that is accessible to everyone and capable of enhancing overall quality of life.
References
Singh, B., Olds, T., Curtis, R., Dumuid, D., Virgara, R., Watson, A., Szeto, K., O’Connor, E., Ferguson, T., Eglitis, E., Miatke, A., Simpson, C. E., & Maher, C. (2023). Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: An overview of systematic reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(18), 1203–1209.
Başar, S. (2018). Düzenli egzersizin depresyon, mutluluk ve psikolojik iyi oluş üzerine etkisi. İnönü Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 5(3), 25–34.
Al-Qahtani, A. M., Shaikh, M. A. K., & Shaikh, I. A. (2018). Exercise as a treatment modality for depression: A narrative review. Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 54(4), 429–435.