Exercise: A No-Cost Antidepressant
Exercise has long been known to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. It also has been increasingly recognized for its positive effect on mental health, and psychiatrists often encourage their patients to develop an exercise routine.
The authors detail studies addressing exercise both as a stand-alone treatment for depression and as an augmentation strategy supplementing other treatments.
The overall conclusion of their review was that exercise “3 to 5 sessions per week, for 45 to 60 minutes per session, and at a moderate to vigorous intensity” has antidepressant properties similar to that of medications in reducing depressive symptoms in individuals with unipolar depression.
How does exercise exert its antidepressant effects? Although numerous studies have attempted to determine possible mechanisms, data are inconsistent. Two mechanisms of interest involve the anti-inflammatory properties of exercise and its influence on levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a chemical produced by the brain that influences cell connectivity and growth. A variety of antidepressant treatments influence BDNF levels.
It is often difficult to motivate a person with depression to start an exercise regimen. Psychotherapeutic techniques and phone apps may be helpful. This review should motivate clinicians to be more rigorous either in encouraging exercise as an augmentation therapy or, especially in those unwilling to participate in psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, as a sole therapy. In the words of the authors: “This is not a call for exercise to replace existing therapeutic strategies but for exercise to be consistently integrated as an additional first-line treatment for depression.”
What are your thoughts on a healthy lifestlyle? Can it improve mental health?
#Exercise #MentalHealth #Depression
@calmDew1576
Aye that's a no-brainer haha, a healthier lifestyle is certainly super impactful and important. Thankyou for this article, Dew. Keep up the great work. ❤️
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou First of all thank you very much for your encouraging words! I'm really glad you liked this article! I couldn't agree more that a healthy lifestyle can have many health benefits including improvement in mental health too. Thank you very much for reading!
@calmDew1576
Yes, absolutely a healthy lifestyle and diet definately impacts your emotional well being. Ever since I started working out in my teens or my 20s, I don't remember, I was hooked on it. It made me feel so good emotionally and a lot healthier in my body. I wasn't exactly eating healthy a lot at that time, but working out gave me such a high. I like doing TaeBo, bicycling, dancing and aerobics. What you feed yourself also impacts a lot of how you feel. Remember that old saying: Garbage In, Garbage Out. If you eat a lot of junk foods, you are going to reap the consequences with weight gain, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and so forth. I definately know how hard it is to eat healthy in this society with junk food just about anywhere. You are worth it to stay healthy emotionally and physically.
@pineapplepeanut This was very inspirational and I couldn't agree more with you! Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for both our physical and our mental well-being. It can be challenging at first but once you see the impact it's got on your body and soul it's a very rewarding feeling! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
@calmDew1576 It is really important.
Also, I would like to add, that meditation and mindfulness can be very helpful, as well.
@calmMango9611 I agree! These methods are great for demistifying some situations as the can help you understand those fears better as well as yourself. This can lead to accepting the fear and finally managing it. Thank you for reading and for sharing these tips with us!
Exercise is great. But calling it no cost is a lie. Gyms are expensive. And even if you just run, which is arguably the cheapest form of exercise, you still need good shoes/clothes to do it effectively and without injury! Especially in the cold season.
@confusedRaven6140 I agree that exerciase has many benefits! Unfortunately the gym is indeed very expensive. Me and my best friend are currently on a weight loss journey. We exercise at home following tutorials for free! I think a carpet is all you need! Please let me know how it went if you try this method. Thank you for reading!