In recent times, depression seems to be fairly commonplace. As the number of depression cases appear to be increasing over the years, the different types of treatment also seems to be increasing in number. Antidepressants and counseling have long been the most common and an effective method to ease depression but another simple remedy is exercise. Depression and exercise has long been talked about side by side due to the striking effects that exercise seems to have on an individual. There are numerous exercise and depression studies that suggest that a significant improvement is present in depressed persons who turn to exercise for relief.
Exercise and depression is a common topic in boards and communities that focus on depression. It can be beneficial for an array of reasons. Based on the depression and exercise studies, the type of work out activity doesn’t matter. Indeed there are dozens of different types of exercise. Typically finding something that you enjoy and doing it on a regular basis will have great effects as far as depression is concerned.
The positive effect of regular exercise cannot be emphasized enough. Even if it isn’t beneficial for depression, exercise keeps your blood flowing and will reduce the possibility of contracting several diseases or conditions. Additionally, it will get you in shape which will boost your self-esteem and give yourself a sense of self-worth. This is key in depression. Another reason why exercise is ideal when depressed is because it gives you a natural high. A few minutes of hours after exercise, most people feel happier and exhilarated. This is also experienced during the workout. Endorphins are released which makes you feel good. Another chemical in the brain which has been proved to affect a person’s mental state is serotonin. Insufficient levels of serotonin may also result in the symptoms associated with depression. Exercise maintains proper levels of serotonin.
While exercise and depression is so closely linked, it shouldn’t be overdone as well and it’s shouldn’t be used exclusively as a treatment for depression. It should be used in combination with other methods such as counseling. Due to a sense of apathy that is commonly felt with depression, it is important to only perform exercise at a moderate level. If it is too strenuous and tiring, it can negatively affect the person as well.
Depression is a progressive condition that can take time to treat however with adequate treatment which includes regular exercise, it should be more controllable in a relatively short period of time.