It’s fairly well known and accepted that exercise has tremendous benefits for the human body, but researchers are learning it has great benefits in the treatment of depression as well.
A study in 1990 analyzed and summarized 80 studies of depression and the effect exercise has on relieving it. The results showed that exercise worked to alleviate depression almost immediately and the results were long lasting. An interesting note is that those people who were the unhealthiest, both physically and psychologically, were the ones who enjoyed the greatest benefit from exercising.
Exercise worked just as well in combating depression for men as it did for women, although it was noted that the older participants showed a more dramatic decrease in their depression. Scientists are still trying to determine exactly what effect exercise has on reducing, or in some cases eliminating, depression and its accompanying symptoms.
Another study was done, this one about 10 years later, comparing depression treatments. A group of 156 people, all suffering with major depressive disorder, were divided into three groups. One group performed exercise only. The second group used medication, such as anti-depressants. The third group used a combination of medication and exercise. The results were rather amazing.
After four months, all three groups showed significant results in the form of decreased depression. Approximately 2/3 of the group showed no signs of depression. And in a follow up about six months later, it surprised even the researchers to learn that the group who used exercise only was more likely to be recovered completely or partially than either of the other two groups.
So what does that mean to you? If you suffer with depression, exercise may just be one of the main ingredients you may be missing. Any type of exercise has been shown to be beneficial, although the studies used walking and jogging most often. But results of aerobic and anaerobic exercise were also examined, which helped them reach the conclusion that any form of exercise served to reduce depression.
The amount of exercise you can do will depend on the level of your current health. Your doctor can help you determine which exercise is best for you and how long and how often you should do it.
Start slowly and experiment with different types of exercise to determine which one benefits you the most. Pay close attention to changes in your mood, no matter how slight, and your feeling of well being during and following exercise. This will help you decide if swimming is better than walking or biking, or if yoga or lifting weights is more your style.
