THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of physical exercise on the mental health and well-being of individuals diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This is a descriptive and exploratory narrative literature review conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) between April and August 2025. Specific descriptors combined with the Boolean operator AND were used. The inclusion criteria were articles published between 2015 and 2025, in Portuguese, with free access, and available in full. After applying the filters, eight articles met the criteria and formed the basis for analysis. The results demonstrated that regular physical exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, acting through biological mechanisms, such as the release of neurotransmitters associated with well-being, and psychosocial mechanisms, such as increased self-esteem and reduced social isolation. Different modalities, such as aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercises, have shown specific benefits, reinforcing the importance of appropriate prescription and professional monitoring. The conclusion is that physical exercise is an effective and accessible complementary strategy in the treatment of mental disorders, although further studies are needed to define more precise parameters of ideal intensity, duration, and frequency.