Exercise has many benefits, including aiding in weight loss, maintaining health and improving mood. Studies have linked routine exercise with improvements in mild to moderate depression, as well as playing a significant role in improving severe depression. In fact, a BBC News study found that regular exercise reduces the risk of depression symptoms. However, there has been no evidence that a particular type of exercise has this effect on depression or that the positive effects can be sustained.
About Depression
Doctors often characterize depression as unprovoked intense feelings of sadness experienced for long periods. The University of Washington School of Medicine notes that 17.5 million Americans suffer from depression and 9.2 million of those suffer from severe or clinical depression. Additionally, two-thirds of people with depression don't receive treatment for it. So exercise may be an effective means for those who suffer from depression to lessen their symptoms if medical treatment is not sought.
Depression Causes
Depression to be a result of chemical imbalances in the brain, as well as genetic inheritances. Researchers continue to debate the role of neurological chemical imbalances in depression and point to other factors as well. The New York Times says depression can be caused by a variety of factors -- including environmental, traumatic experiences, health, alcohol or drug consumption and biological effects. Childhood traumas such as abuse or neglect can also lead to depression as adults. Nutritional deficiencies and underactive thyroid problems can cause depression symptoms.
Symptoms
Depression can have many symptoms, ranging from overall feelings of sadness to loss of sex drive. Depression symptoms may also include lack of sleep or excessive sleeping. Poor concentration or indecisiveness may also indicate depression. The Mayo Clinic says depression may be overtly obvious in some people, and some may appear to be "blue" for no apparent reason.
Exercise and Depression
A 1999 study, "Understanding Depression," by the Special Health Report from Harvard Medical, revealed that those who exercise regularly experience the same relief from depression symptoms as those who take anti-depressants. The publication further noted that depression symptoms subsided for a longer period for those in the exercise cohort than those on anti-depressants. On the other hand, Reuters Health notes that depression symptoms return to normal if those who suffer from depression don't sustain an exercise routine. This may suggest that exercise must be part of your daily activities indefinitely for symptoms to remain subdued.
How Exercise Affects Depression
The Mayo Clinic suggests that exercise can improve depression in variety of ways. It may improve your emotional state by improving your self-confidence and giving you the opportunity to socialize with other people. Harvard researchers also note that exercise may increase the amount of endorphins and the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which promotes mood elevation. Any kind of exercise that causes your heart rate to increase can improve your depression symptoms.
