A physical activity program manual designed for college students diagnosed with depression

This project is a step-by-step manual for universities in need of a physical activity program for college students diagnosed with depression. Depression is highly prevalent in the general population, with most lifetime mental health problems surfacing by the typical college age. It has been shown that increased physical activity participation can alleviate symptoms of depression, and have heightened effects when performed with a peer (Mota-Pereira, Silverio, Carvalho, Ribeiro, Fonte, & Ramos, 2011). Although universities have resources for their students including a health and/or counseling center and disabilities center, they provide limited treatment options. An additional adjunct treatment for depression in students involving physical activity with a peer is needed on university campuses. This manual is modeled after a specialized physical activity program, WellCat Fit, and was created for a university that wants to adopt such a program. It contains multiple guides for each position involved in the program, directions on how to conduct a program from start to finish, examples of presentations, handouts, and forms, as well as answers to common questions. This manual also makes adjustments to fit the needs of universities with limited/unlimited resources.