In the words of R.E.M, “Everybody hurts sometimes.” But, some of us hurt more often than others, and not in places visible to the eye. Some, have inner thoughts encircling their brains, draining joy, love, and emotion out of their day-to-day lives. 42.5 million adults currently battle some form of mental illness. That means that roughly 18 percent of the total population struggle with mental illness and its symptoms. With that many people fighting with their thoughts, there has to be a definite reason why this is happening — right? The answer: not always.

Genetics
Sadly, there is no definite reason why certain people develop mental illnesses, although there are some root causes. Genetics is a huge factor that contribute to the development of mental illness, such depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. Unfortunately, some of us are “wired” to develop certain mental health issues based on our developed brain chemistry.

Self-Inflicted
A second factor of mental illness is self-inflicted mental strife This occurs when someone willingly engages in habits that alter the health of their brains. This effect can occur is someone is a chronic drug user, alcoholic, or they engage in any other mood enhancing substances.

Abuse
Trauma or abuse can also contribute to mental health problems. If you are exposed to trauma or abuse in your life, your brain can suffer amounts of shock that will affect the way it thinks. Of no fault of your own, negative thoughts can change the way you behave and interact with others around you.

Brain Chemistry
Sometimes, deficiencies of chemicals in the brain happen, with no logical reason. Neurotransmitters are “naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body.” Some people develop impaired neural networks, which deprive the brain of certain necessary chemicals. Because of this chemical imbalance, diseases, such as depression and anxiety, can occur.

Treatment

Now that we have identified some of the causes of mental illness, we can list off some of the ways in which we can treat these issues. Though some turn to medications to treat their illnesses, sometimes, medication can do more harm than good. If you are not careful, some medications may not react well with your body or any other medications you are currently taking. Medications also can take years before a concoxion can accurately treat your chemical deficiencies. One reliable method in order to treat issues with mental illness is to encourage natural healing methods. These methods can include being around someone that makes you happy or doing something that takes your mind off your thoughts.

Though these two things may seem simple, the treatment options are limitless and differ for every person. By being with someone you love and who loves you back, you can be reminded of the good in your life instead of the bad. When you are happy or contented, your brain increases in the amount of oxytocin it releases. This neurochemical is what makes humans you could call “social creatures.” When we have increased levels of oxytocin, we are enabled to feel empathy, which helps us be bonded to others. When we are bonded with others, this helps us feel like we belong, which increases our happiness.

Doing something to take your mind off your thoughts is a very vague prescription, but it has been proven useful. When your mind is busy, it has less time to dwell on negative aspects. In this way, you save yourself angst about wondering why you are the way you are. One excellent way to keep your mind busy is to expand your experiences. This method works wonders, especially when your experience incorporates daring activities. But why? Well, when you engage in adventurous activities, you allow your body to increase its levels of adrenaline and dopamine, both of which are crucial to the health of the brain. Adrenaline is increased when heart rate is escalated. While the body reacts, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. With the body and brain pumping with adrenaline, you become more alert. This response can be beneficial to those with a mental illness, as most symptoms of mental illness include a lack of interest and a moody, less alert attitude.

While you are doing something to expand your experiences, you are also releasing trace amounts of dopamine into your brain. Dopamine is the neurochemical mostly associated with happiness. It is mostly released when you are feeling emotions of anticipation. When you are doing something you have not tried before, you are more likely to have feelings of anticipation, resulting in increased dopamine levels.

Another method to help your mental illness is to do something that you already know makes you happy, something you are familiar with. These sorts of activities increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a type of neurochemical responsible for feelings of happiness and aids as a mood stabilizer. When you feel emotions of contentment or joy, serotonin is boosted, resulting is an easy treatment for your mental health.

How Trampolines Can Help

Believe it or not, trampolines can help you with your mental illness. By bouncing on a trampoline, you will be naturally exercising your body. When you exercise, neurochemicals, such as endorphins and adrenaline, are pumped throughout the body. Both these chemicals work together in the brain, making you feel more alert and giving you a feeling of excitement.

If you have never bounced in an indoor trampoline park, your dopamine levels may be affected, as you are in anticipation of what the experience may be like. Even if you have bounced at a park like Rebounderz before, the act of bouncing up and expecting to land back on the trampoline naturally gives your brain doses of dopamine.

Aside from just trampolines, Rebounderz also has many different attractions that can help you increase the amount of adrenaline and dopamine in your brain. For example, you can always try our JumpXTREME towers. These ten-foot towers are probably not something you are not used to, which will give you a boost of dopamine and will most assuredly increase your adrenaline levels, especially if you are weary of heights!

If you come to Rebounderz, not only will the exercise help with your mental health, but the motion of bouncing will help as well, especially if you bring along someone you enjoy spending time with, such as your child. When you and your guest experience the joy of bouncing together, your brain will increase its oxytocin and serotonin levels. This spike in neurochemicals will give you the feeling of being happy and help with your mental health illness.

If you believe that you could benefit from a day at a trampoline park, such as Rebounderz, please join us! Visit your local Rebounderz and see how the effects of bouncing on a trampoline can help your mental state! Not only will you feel better, but by bringing a special guest, you will add a little joy to their day as well. When R.E.M lyrics say, “Everybody hurts,” this does not mean that you have to hurt or struggle with your mental illness constantly. An equally important R.E.M lyric states, “You are not alone.” There are ways to treat your mental illness, and a day at Rebounderz can help!