TAMPA, Fla. — Over the past year, the American Psychological Association has found adults ages 35 to 44 experienced the highest increase in mental health diagnosis.

Dr. Melissa Fickey, a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist in Hillsborough County, says she’s seen an increase of people seeking help because more people are developing mental health disorders and more people are willing to seek help.

“A lot of the time, during COVID, people were left indoors, and I think it opened a lot of options of telemedicine appointments that were maybe also more convenient for patients,” Fickey said.

For many, seeking mental health help is a big step. It’s why one nonprofit is hoping to be that support when taking those first steps to healing.

Nicholas Murray, CEO and founder of nonprofit Mind Muscle Pro, said a few years ago, there was no way he’d step foot in a gym.

“The gym was something I sort of found by accident and it became my therapy,” he said.

A sanctuary of sorts, both physically and mentally. Twenty years ago, Murray says he attempted suicide multiple times.

He says going to the gym has become a form of therapy. “It gets me out of my head, so I’m focused on what I’m doing, rather than overthinking things," he said.

Realizing the benefits firsthand, he wanted to do something to help others. So he created Mind Muscle Pro, which connects people to different options such as fitness, dance classes or yoga to help with their mental health.

He’s also preparing a podcast to reach more people.

“We’re talking about things that are not easy for a lot of people to talk about, it’s such a cool thing with this podcast, because we’re finding people that are willing to be vulnerable about those things and that’s so crucial when it comes to mental health.”

According to Mental Health America, more than 50 million people are experiencing a mental illness, while 55 percent of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment.

Murray says he tried medication, but for him, it wasn’t the answer.

Instead, he says meditation and going to the gym has helped him rebuild his life.

“I’m happier and calmer, it’s helped with anxiety especially. I have a lot of trouble sleeping and shutting down at night,” he says.

He says mental health struggles are common but also wants to stress healing is possible. “The biggest change, and I mean this sincerely, is what happens on the inside, what happens to the way we feel about ourselves, what happens to the way we carry ourselves through day-to-day life.”

Murray says activities like working out aren’t just for transforming your body — he says they can also help transform your mind.

Mind Muscle Pro will be launching its podcast this month in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.