Welcome back to part 2 of the series. “Social Prescription: Healing through STEPN.” In the previous discussion, we explored the emergence of social prescribing and how it is being used to address physical health issues, and whether STEPN has an important role to play in this movement.
Today we explore more deeply how social prescribing can address another pressing issue of our time: the mental health crisis. Let’s jump in!
growing crisis
Mental health problems are on the rise worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a leading cause of disability, affecting more than 280 million people worldwide.
Moreover, approximately 31% of the U.S. population will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. It is clear that mental health issues are a significant and growing concern and innovative approaches such as social prescribing are needed.
Science backs this up
As covered in Part 1, social prescribing offers a unique opportunity to address mental health issues by connecting individuals with non-clinical services that can support their mental health.
In review, social prescribing acknowledges the important role of social factors in mental health. This practice involves connecting people with activities or communities that can help reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
A perfect example of this approach is STEPN. Our app encourages users to get out of the house, engage with their surroundings, strengthen social connections, reduce isolation, and get active.
And science supports the importance of physical activity for mental health. Two recent systematic reviews found evidence that exercise could potentially improve symptoms of depression and anxiety more significantly than antidepressants.
A review published in February 2023 found that exercise was 1.5 times more effective than medication in managing mental health. Another meta-analysis confirmed the beneficial effects reported across all clinical populations, with the greatest effects found in people with major depressive disorder and those receiving supervised exercise.
Moreover, the social aspect of STEPN cannot be underestimated. By encouraging users to walk more, it increases the likelihood of social encounters, either with walking friends or simply through casual interactions on the street. This helps foster a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for mental health.
What is the future of mental health care?
As we navigate a world where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, the importance of innovative solutions like social prescribing and platforms like STEPN has become ever more apparent. This approach provides a holistic perspective that recognizes the complex interaction of physical, social and emotional factors in mental health.
In the face of a growing mental health crisis, it is clear that more than traditional medical interventions is needed. We need to build communities that strengthen connections, encourage physical activity and support mental well-being. And this is exactly what social prescribing aims to achieve, and STEPN has the potential to play an important role in this movement!