Health professionals seek to combat depression with running

HEALTH professionals at Frome Medical Practice are encouraging people to join the Couch to 5K event on Monday 14th May.

The Couch to 5k initiative is being led by the surgery’s mental wellbeing practitioner, Tracy Glen-Travers, together with Dr Rebecca Hall and Jo Fordham of Health Connections Mendip, who are both keen runners.

“The course is targeting people who may have mild anxiety or depression,’ said Tracy. ‘There have been some real positive changes in attitudes over recent years regarding physical health. What the Couch to 5K course aims to do is to combine the mental as well as the physical benefits that come with exercising.

“The Couch to 5K course is targeted at absolute beginners. It is likely that participants in the course have been leading a largely sedentary lifestyle and it may have been several years since they have even broken into a trot.

“The aim is to start off walking before moving on to walking quickly and gentle running. Eventually, after 9 weeks, we hope participants are able to complete a 5 kilometre run. Not only is the course going to contribute to healthier lungs and heart as well as weight loss, but it will also help build stamina as well as confidence and self-belief.

“Being able to run has also been shown to be a great stress reliever and has helped combat depression.”

The initiative comes with the full backing of the GPs at the practice. The senior partner there is Dr Helen Kingston.

“Health in 2018 is about a lot more than going to see your GP,’ says Dr Kingston. ‘I would urge anyone, to consider how Couch to 5K can help their general health and wellbeing. The course is absolutely free as part of our commitment to support the community.”

Frome Town Council has also offered their support to Frome Medical Practice, for what it is doing around mental health. Richard Ackyroyd, Frome town councillor said, “It’s one of our priorities; were also keen to see more people being active and using the outdoor spaces we have in and around the town. This project combines all of this and could lead to really positive benefits to both mental and physical health for people who take part.”

For more details on how to sign up for the course ready for the 14th May, participants should call Health Connections Mendip: 01373 468368 or email: mendip.healthconnections @nhs.net