Sisters' Stories: How sport helped ISIS survivor Bare's mental health

It’s a well-known fact that sport and exercise are great for improving mental health - which is why we regularly provide fitness classes for women of all ages.

Previously, those we support have had little chance to attend such sessions, and have even been urged not to exercise in public, as to do so has traditionally been seen as indecent. Understandably, many women still fear that taking part in any fitness activities could leave them exposed to ostracisation and local backlash - another example of the way their basic rights have been eroded for generations.

One of the women who has found our sports classes hugely beneficial is Bare, a 34-year-old who has been living at Rwanga camp since fleeing the ISIS attacks.

She says: “Before being involved in the Lotus Flower’s sports classes, I used to be depressed and have unstable mental health. Taking part in the training at the women’s centre has helped me with my mental health, and I am really grateful to the team for this.”

As well as providing gentle keep-fit classes for women of all ages and abilities, we run yoga classes too, plus our phenomenally popular Boxing Sisters programme. Not only are these sorts of sessions good for boosting mental health, but they also provide a chance for women and girls to meet in a safe space and form friendships.

According to Sport England, these are the main effects of physical activity on mental health:

• Improved mood
  Research has found that people feel more awake, calmer and more content after physical activity.

• Reduced stress
  Research has shown that active people tend to have lower stress rates compared to those who are less active.

• Higher self-esteem
  How we feel about ourselves and our perceived self-worth improve when we exercise.

• Lower rates of depression and anxiety
  Exercise has been described as a “wonder drug” for preventing and managing mental health issues.