Physical Health for Mental Health: Supporting Youth
Team Unbreakable recognizes that mental health challenges among Canadian youth are a serious and growing concern and have become more prevalent since the pandemic, with reports that 20% of adolescents regularly experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research shows that running as little as twice a week can lead to a better mood, significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and support positive mental health. Studies also show that running can lead to improved physical health, self-esteem, and social connections.
We are a charity supporting youth mental health with resources and programs that encourage physical activity and mindful self-management strategies. The primary goal of Team Unbreakable is to promote the reciprocal relationship between physical and mental health and our mission is to deliver an effective physical activity program that supports mental health and well-being, while keeping equity and inclusivity as guiding principles.
In co-operation with Dr. Catherine Sabiston, the Chair of the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre at the University of Toronto, Team Unbreakable developed a structured mental health program for youth, using the evidence-based understanding that running positively impacts mood and promotes self esteem. The Team Unbreakable program consists of weekly modules that reinforce this relationship and can be completed as a curricular or co-curricular activity in secondary or elementary schools or community organizations. The weekly modules, available in both French and English, are online, align with the Ontario Physical and Mental Heath curriculum, and support the initiatives found in School Mental Health Ontario.
Our structured 8-week program includes step-by-step Physical Activity and Mental Health modules and individual data tracking logs. The objective of the Team Unbreakable program is to use empowerment, lifestyle management, and resiliency building to take youth participants through a journey of self-discovery, while equipping them with skills to prevent mental health issues and maintain good mental health throughout life. We currently support programs in schools, Family Health Teams, and community organizations in Ontario by training volunteer program leaders, sharing our resources, and planning or supporting goal events.
The Team Unbreakable 5K goal events allow youth to celebrate their training and learning and ensure that program leaders and participants can unite with family and community members in raising awareness of issues related to youth mental health. These celebratory culminating events include participant medallions, a start and finish arch, music, and testimonial boards. Team Unbreakable also supports schools or other community organizations organize their own goal events.
Our presentation will outline the mission of Team Unbreakable, the evidence-based reasoning behind our resources, the structure of the program itself, and finally, the impact that the program has had on youth participants.
