By Xinyu Wang
In recent years, the mental health of young people has received increasing attention. Under the multiple attacks of academic pressure, emotional crisis, social distress and life challenges, many young people are facing tremendous psychological pressure. If these pressures are not dealt with effectively, they are likely to lead to serious psychological crises.
Recently, Leo, a student at Newcastle University, shared his mental health issues amid emotional frustration and academic pressure. It also tells the real experience of how to get out of the psychological haze through sports. This story has triggered people’s thinking about the role of sports in psychological rehabilitation.
Last year, Leo went through a breakup with his girlfriend. His emotional world took a huge hit. The pain of the breakup left Leo feeling overwhelmed with despair. And the stress of the final assignments that immediately followed overwhelmed him. Leo’s psychological condition deteriorated dramatically over time. He found himself drowning in sadness all day long and was unable to concentrate on his studies. He began to lose interest in life, stopped participating in social activities, and even gave up on the fitness regime he had maintained for years.
“During that time, I felt like I was trapped in a black hole and nothing could hold my interest,” Leo recalls.
Faced with immense academic pressure, his inner pain prevented him from concentrating on his assignments, for which he applied for extensions. Anxiety and depression gradually encroached on his life, and insomnia became the norm, as he often felt suffocated and helpless.
Realising the seriousness of the problem, Leo decided to seek help from Wellbeing Services, a mental health support service. Although counselling provided him with some comfort, he still found it difficult to dissolve the pain he felt inside. ‘The process of talking to the counsellor eased my sadness and anxiety to some extent. But when I returned to my flat it was as if everything was back to square one,’ he said.
A good friend of Leo’s noticed a serious problem with him. This friend used to work out with Leo regularly. Seeing Leo in such bad shape, he realised that Leo was going through a serious psychological crisis. So the friend took it upon himself to invite him back to the gym and offered to train with him. His friend told him that working out is also an effective way to release emotions and relieve stress.
“I really didn’t want to do anything at the time, but he kept insisting that I go to the gym with him,” Leo recalls.
Encouraged by his friend, Leo went into the gym again. Although at first it was just a mechanical way to follow his friend’s rhythm, it gave Leo some relief from his insomnia.
“At first, my mood didn’t improve. It’s just that every time I went back from training, the tiredness was able to put me to sleep quickly and my sleep improved a lot.” He said.
The company and support of his friends helped him find an outlet for his emotions in the gym and gradually restore his physical and mental balance. ‘After a period of working out, I realised that I really wasn’t in a constant slump like I was before,’ Leo said. ‘I regained my interest in life and was able to focus on my studies.’
Leo’s experience prompted us to think more deeply about how sport can impact on mental health. For this reason, we spoke to Tracy Donachie, Professor of Sport Psychology at Newcastle University, to analyse the role of sport in psychological recovery.
Professor Tracy Donachie said Leo’s experience demonstrates the effectiveness of sport in relieving psychological stress.
“When we play sport, our body secretes a substance called endorphins, which not only relieves emotions, but also reduces feelings of anxiety and depression. Endorphins are known as the ‘happy factor’ and can bring about a natural sense of pleasure after we exercise,” said Professor Donachie.
The professor further noted that regular physical activity not only helps with emotional management, but also enhances mental toughness and self-efficacy.
Professor Donachie explained that through regular exercise, individuals develop a sense of control over their lives, which is crucial in managing life’s stresses.
“Exercise serves as an emotional outlet, allowing people to release built-up stress and better handle psychological challenges,” she said.
She also pointed out that physical training, such as increasing muscle mass and stamina, not only improves physical fitness but also leads to positive psychological changes. “As people see their bodies becoming stronger, their self-confidence grows,” she added.
In addition, Professor Donachie noted that sports environments, whether in a gym, playground, or outdoor field, offer more than just physical exercise.
“These settings provide crucial mental health support by allowing people to interact, share tips, and alleviate isolation, which boosts overall mood. They also offer a space for individuals to process and manage their inner distress,” she said.
Finally, Professor Tracy Donachie concluded, ‘While sport is not a substitute for professional psychotherapy, it has an important adjunctive role in supporting mental health. For young people like Leo, sport can be an important tool to get them out of the psychological haze and help them recover their mental health faster and more effectively.
Leo’s story and Professor Tracy Donachie’s analysis together reveal the importance of physical activity in mental health management. Whether it is in the gym, playground or outdoor sports ground, staying physically active and interacting with others can help young people better cope with the stresses and challenges in their lives. Physical activity not only enhances physical health, but also provides a positive environment and support for mental recovery. These experiences remind us that in the face of stress, exercise is not only a way to maintain physical health, but also an important tool for getting out of psychological distress.
