A Atividade Física como Aliada no Cuidado da Saúde Mental: Uma Revisão Focada em Ansiedade e Depressão

Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide, significantlyimpacting people’s quality of life and functionality. This qualitative, exploratory, anddescriptive study conducted a narrative literature review on the benefits of physical activity inthe treatment and prevention of these disorders. Articles published between 2015 and 2025 wereanalyzed in the SciELO and LILACS databases. The results showed that physical exercise playsa key role in the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety across all age groups andalso demonstrated how the lack of physical activity directly increases susceptibility to anxiousand depressive symptoms. It is concluded that physical activity, when integrated into amultidisciplinary treatment, represents an effective, low-cost intervention with positive effectsfor managing anxiety and depression