Mental Health Awareness and the Psychological Benefits of Exercise

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and unfortunately mental illness impacts all of us, either directly or indirectly. One in five adults and one in six kids have a mental health condition, and 50 percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14. In this episode, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson and NASM Certified Personal Trainer Frank Eyeson discuss mental health and how exercise can improve symptoms related to anxiety and depression.

 

Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT. CWPC, CSAC, CTPS

Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes.

Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS). In addition, he is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (in training) helping athletes improve their mental performance.

As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

 

Frank Eyeson, M.S., NASM-CPT, CWC, CNC

Frank Eyeson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health and fitness, including exercise technique videos and podcast episodes. As a marketing and social media manager, Frank also develops strategic campaigns that connect audiences with trusted, evidence-based resources to help them move better, train smarter, and live healthier.

With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Frank is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois.

Frank’s content resonates with health-conscious individuals and fitness professionals alike, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and real-world application. On the Human Kinetics podcast, he brings a grounded, audience-first voice to conversations covering everything fitness—from strength training, recovery, and sport performance to nutrition, mental health, injury prevention, and overall wellness. He is passionate about making fitness education accessible, sustainable, and rooted in science.

Outside of the gym and work, Frank enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and relaxing with a good show.