
The Mental Health Crisis: A Growing Concern
In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed an unprecedented surge in mental health challenges. The statistics paint a sobering picture: one in four adults experiences a mental health problem each year, with mental health services receiving a record 5 million referrals in 2023 - a staggering 33% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Perhaps most concerning is that 7.8% of adults report feeling lonely 'always or often', while work-related stress and anxiety resulted in 17.1 million lost working days in 2022/23.
These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent real people, real struggles, and a clear call for innovative solutions.
Understanding Women's Mental Health Journey
Women face unique mental health challenges throughout their lives, often closely tied to hormonal changes and life transitions. From the onset of menstruation through to menopause, these biological shifts can significantly impact mental wellbeing. Currently, 20% of young people aged 8-16 experience mental health challenges, with young women particularly affected during puberty and early adolescence.
The journey continues through pregnancy and postpartum periods, where approximately 1 in 5 women experience mental health difficulties, and into perimenopause and menopause, where hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact emotional wellbeing.
The Power of Strength Training: More Than Just Physical Benefits
At Freyja, we believe in the transformative power of strength training as a cornerstone of mental wellness. Scientific research consistently shows that regular strength training offers profound mental health benefits:
Natural mood elevation through increased endorphin production
Improved stress management via regulated cortisol levels
Enhanced sleep quality, crucial for mental health
Increased body confidence and self-esteem
Better hormonal balance throughout life's transitions
Building More Than Muscle
The benefits extend far beyond the physical. When women engage in strength training, they're not just building muscle - they're building:
Confidence through progressive achievement
Resilience through overcoming challenges
Community through shared experiences
Mental strength that translates to everyday life
Sustainable habits for long-term wellbeing
Our Commitment to Change
At Freyja, we're taking action. We're currently working to identify the best charity partnership for the long term; where we can give back (financially) but where our brand closely aligns to add as much value as possible. This collaboration will represent our commitment to addressing mental health challenges through a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing. Our small part of helping in this space.
We're also working with inspiring sports women who share our vision of breaking down barriers and changing narratives around women's mental and physical health. These athletes aren't just role models for physical strength; they're advocates for mental health awareness and positive body image.
Join the Movement
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're an experienced athlete, our community welcomes you. Together, we can build stronger bodies and minds.
How to Get Involved:
Explore our range of women-focused fitness equipment
Join our supportive community
Subscribe to our newsletter for advice and inspiration
Follow our social media for daily motivation and updates
Stay tuned for our charity partnership launch and upcoming events
At Freyja, we believe that physical strength builds mental strength, and together, we can create positive change in women's (and men’s) mental health statistics, one rep at a time.