The World Health Organisation has identified mental health disorders as being among the leading causes
of ill-health and disability worldwide. The interdependent relationship between physical and mental health
is becoming more widely acknowledged, and thus the role of lifestyle psychiatry in the management and
treatment of psychological conditions is growing and is considered best-practice alongside pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatment. Guardian Exercise Rehabilitation has been working in the field of lifestyle psychiatry for many years now. Our initial work in this space commenced with a research project in NSW which monitored the impact of early exercise intervention for emergency service personnel with a psychological workers compensation claim. This work has since expanded into similar projects in Victoria, ACT and South Australia, providing exercise interventions as a key part of patients’ treatment plan as they recover from a primary or secondary psychological injury. Our findings, in line with research, suggest that the provision of an early intervention exercise / lifestyle program is associated with reduction of mental health symptoms, improved sleep quality and an increase in working hours. This work has led us to provide similar interventions as a proactive step to support workers in high-risk environments. This presentation details the growing body of literature supporting Exercise and Lifestyle Psychiatry, and will demonstrate how each stakeholder can confidently implement best practice support structures with firsthand examples from the personal injury industry.