Moving for a healthier mind and stronger community: how Je Bouge Pour Mon Moral transforms lives in France

Abstract

Je Bouge Pour Mon Moral is a French not-for-profit organisation founded in 2021. It is dedicated to supporting individuals suffering from mental health disorders through regular physical activity. The organisation aims to improve the mental well-being of its participants by combining exercise and social connection. Mental health is a major issue in France, affecting 13 million people each year. In 2021, 13.3% of adults aged 18–85 experienced depressive disorders, representing a 3.5% increase from 2017.1 These disorders disproportionately impact vulnerable populations (women, unemployed individuals, single parents), exacerbating social inequalities. According to the French Ministry of Health and Prevention, mental healthcare is the largest expenditure for France’s national health insurance system, costing €23 billion per year—more than cancer and cardiovascular diseases.2 A large body of studies has demonstrated the effectiveness of physical activity in relation to a number of mental health conditions.3 It helps prevent the onset of mental health issues, accelerates recovery and reduces the risk of relapse. However, existing sports and fitness structures are often ill suited to individuals facing psychological disorders. Indeed, many people with mental health disorders struggle with low self-confidence, making it difficult for them to feel comfortable in gyms where the focus is on physical performance, weight …