The mental health field in California is a growing wildfire that we (as citizens) are trying to tame and understand. From mental health facilities, skilled nursing facilities, play therapy organizations, non-profit organizations, and behavioral health branches, the professionals around our beautiful state are not on the same page. One practice out of them all, however, is often ignored.

Physical fitness and anatomical health are the parts of psycho-therapy and behavioral practice that are not being utilized.I personally believe that there is a disconnect between the pharmaceutical aspect of clinical practice and the quality of life of patients in the mental health system. Professionals: Did we forget that breaking down muscles in the body correlates with lower cortisol levels and more frequent release of pleasure producing neurotransmitters?

If one was to read this article with no knowledge of psychology or anatomy they might be puzzled at this moment. No need to worry; I will make this clear. Both the process and results of physical fitness has the potential to increase the quality of one's life. In stating so, there is reason to believe that one day physical fitness could contribute to holistic methods of treatment for mild-to-severe mental health disorders.

The reality is that most people have not worked in a mental health facility; this means that a majority of citizens do not understand most patients are experiencing lack of exercise and ill physical health as a result. It is safe to say that many of the patients in the mental health system also experience some kind of health issues along side their mental health disorder. Physical exercise, function and mobility, stretching, and proper diet can be huge contributors to the treatment of these people. Yes, people, the same kind of humans as you and I; Mental health patients have families and emotions among the same category as our own. Increasing people's quality of life starts with exercise and therapy in coordination with each other. Until this happens, the disconnect between physical and mental health will remain; mental health professionals everywhere must fill in their treatment methods with this missing component.