Each year, millions of Americans experience symptoms of a mental health condition. As defined by the World Health organization, mental health is a “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.”[1]
Furthermore, explains the WHO, mental health “exists on a continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes…Throughout our lives, multiple individual, social and structural determinants may combine to protect or undermine our mental health and shift our position on the mental health continuum.”[2]
Mental Health America (MHA) offers these statistics from a few years ago: [3]
- 01% of adults struggle with a mental health problem annually, which is equivalent to 43.4 million Americans.
- 2 million live with an anxiety disorder.
- 16 million live with major depression.
Role of massage in mental health
Key market data from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) 2023 Consumer Survey found that among the reasons for getting a massage, 51% of consumers got a massage for relaxation and stress reduction.[4] Stress reduction is associated with the multiple hormones, including endorphins, released by massage. Massage also increases levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin.[5]
While stress is not considered a mental health condition, it can lead to the development of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. A 2018 review of previous research notes that massage may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.[6]
A 2016 study found that Swedish massage therapy (SMT) successfully remediated generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Researchers reported that they found profound changes associated with massage in individuals with GAD, especially against an active control condition.[7] Research also finds that massage can help people coping with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by improving mood and boosting energy levels.[8]
Massage can uncover mental health issues
While it is important to stay within the scope of your practice as a massage therapist, of which mental health counseling and diagnosing do not apply, there are ways to help clients understand how massage can help address issues impacting their mental health. For example, clients may seek massage to help address pain, fatigue muscle fatigue. Yet these symptoms may result from depression and anxiety.[9]
Build trust with your clients. Through open communication during the intake session, you may be able to uncover a client’s mental and emotional issues. The knowledge may help you determine the best treatments to achieve better outcomes for your client.
Be aware of common signs that suggest your client is dealing with mental health issues and so may benefit from a referral to the appropriate mental health counselor. [10]
- Difficulty attending to everyday activities
- Feeling depressed or hopeless
- A drastic increase or decrease in energy
- Change in appetite or weight
- Taking more medication than prescribed
- Lack of sleep or sleeping too much
While you cannot provide counseling, by identifying the signs and providing the right treatments, you can play a role in your client’s mental health well-being.
[1] “Mental Health,” World Health Organization (WHO), Accessed June 6, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
[2] “Mental Health,” WHO.
[3] “Mental Health in America – Prevalence Data 2018,” Mental Health America (MHA), Accessed June 6, 2024. https://www.mhanational.org/issues/mental-health-america-prevalence-data-2018
[4] “Massage Therapy Industry Factsheet,” AMTA, Accessed June 6, 2024. https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-industry-fact-sheet/
[5] Raypole, Crystal, “13 Ways to Increase Endorphins,” healthline, September 27, 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-endorphins
[6] West, Mary, “Massage for Depression: Does It Help?” Medical News Today, July 17, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/massage-for-depression#does-it-work
[7] Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Larson ER, Edwards SA, Dunlop BW, Rakofsky JJ, Kinkead B. Acute Swedish Massage Monotherapy Successfully Remediates Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized Controlled Study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2016 Jul;77(7):e883-91. doi: 10.4088/JCP.15m10151. PMID: 27464321. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27464321/
[8] Mayo Clinic Press Editors, “Mayo Clinic explores: The role of massage therapy for mental health,” Mayo Clinic Press, November 2, 2021. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/mayo-clinic-explores-the-role-of-massage-therapy-for-mental-health/
[9]Troncao-Heath, Jeanne, “How Massge Therapists Can Support Mental Health,” Massage Today, October 31, 2021. https://www.massagetoday.com/articles/1635446461611/how-massage-therapists-can-support-mental-health
[10] Ibid