YMCA health and fitness branches across southwestern Ontario will open its doors on Friday to celebrate World Mental Health Day.
Sarnia YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre General Manager Paul Skuza said it's a free opportunity for residents to try out the different programs and amenities offered -- whether that's through swimming, fitness classes, or gymnasium sports.
"We know that a lot of people come here for physical goals but we know at the same time, many people say it does wonders for their mental health," Skuza said. "There's feedback we hear daily about that kind of thing and also a lot of good research to back that up too."
Several universities and institutions, such as the Canadian Psychological Association and Mayo Clinic, reference the benefits of physical activity and how exercise can help ease depression or anxiety.
The Y has several participating locations in the southwest region, including: Sarnia, Petrolia, Lambton Shores, Warwick, Chatham-Kent, Huron, Goderich, and Middlesex Centre.
World Mental Health Day is an international initiative observed on October 10, to raise awareness and help end the stigma surrounding mental illness.
