Barriers to Physical Activity for People with Bipolar Disorder: Challenges and Solutions
Physical activity plays a key role in supporting both mental and physical health -improving mood regulation, sleep, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life. However, for people living with bipolar disorder, becoming and staying active often involves overcoming unique and complex challenges.
This article explores what helps and hinders people with bipolar disorder in leading active lives and outlines ways social care and mental health professionals can make physical activity more accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for all.
Understanding the Barriers
Many people with bipolar disorder want to be more active but find that various personal and environmental factors make participation difficult.
- Emotional and psychological barriers: Feelings of shame, stigma, or anxiety can make individuals hesitant to join exercise groups or even exercise alone in public. Low motivation, exhaustion, and disrupted sleep patterns – particularly during depressive episodes – further limit engagement.
- Physical and medication-related barriers: Side effects of medication, such as weight gain, fatigue, or coordination difficulties, can reduce energy and self-confidence. Combined with long-term health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, this can create a cycle where inactivity worsens both mood and wellbeing.
- Social and practical challenges: Access to affordable facilities, reliable transport, or safe spaces to be active can be limited. Weather, financial pressure, and lack of time also play a part. A major drop in activity levels when young people leave education – especially among women – has been identified as a key public health issue.
“It’s hard for me to explain what it’s like. People think it’s a split personality, but its more of a split mind. There can people out there who are ignorant toward [mental health issues]. There’s a stigma.” – Darren, Person Supported by Praxis Care.
What Helps
Despite these challenges, many people find that the right type of encouragement, environment, and support can make a real difference.
- Social connection and encouragement: Exercising with others – whether peers, friends, or support workers – reduces isolation and builds accountability. Group or peer-led activities can make being active more enjoyable and less intimidating.
- Structure and routine: Incorporating activity into a regular routine helps stabilise mood and creates predictability. Even light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can make a meaningful difference when done consistently.
- Connection with nature: Many participants report that outdoor activity feels restorative. Walking in parks, gardening, or cycling outdoors helps reduce stress and offers a sense of freedom and calm.
- Personalised and flexible programmes: The best results come from gradual, individualised plans that balance mental and physical health. A step-by-step approach, starting small, setting realistic goals, and celebrating progress, helps people stay motivated and reduces relapse into inactivity.
Putting it into Practice
Encouraging physical activity in people with bipolar disorder requires collaboration and creativity. Social care staff can play a leading role by normalising physical activity as part of everyday wellbeing.
- Integrate activity into care planning: Frame movement as a form of self-care and a key part of recovery, not an optional extra. Discuss activities that feel achievable and enjoyable.
- Make it accessible: Partner with community and leisure organisations to offer low-cost or supported sessions that prioritise inclusion and psychological safety.
- Use a phased approach: Start with small, manageable steps, such as short walks or gentle stretching, and gradually build confidence and endurance.
- Work collaboratively: Encourage joint working between social care staff, occupational therapists, and peer mentors. Shared expertise ensures support is tailored and consistent.
The Bottom Line
For people with bipolar disorder, the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond the physical. Movement supports mood regulation, builds social connection, and strengthens self-belief. But to make this possible, care environments must remove barriers, reduce stigma, and offer flexible, compassionate support.
Helping someone rediscover the joy of movement is not a small act – it’s a meaningful step toward recovery, confidence, and independence.
References:
McCartan CJ, Yap J, Best P, Breedvelt J, Breslin G, Firth J, Tully MA,Webb P, White C, Gilbody S, Churchill R, Davidson G. (2024) Factors that influence participation in physical activity for people with bipolar disorder: a synthesis of qualitative evidence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD013557. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013557.pub2. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013557.pub2/full