Depression affects 18 million Americans every year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Characterized as a mood disorder, depression can have a debilitating effect on the person suffering from it, as well as everyone around him. Various treatments are available to help combat depression, including regular exercise.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression include sadness, feelings of loss, hopelessness, anger, no sex drive, thoughts of death or suicide, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and appetite changes. The symptoms of depression often manifest without any outward signs or reasons.
Causes
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the cause of depression is not completely known. Some possible causes may include heredity, chronic stress, changes in brain chemicals, social isolation, nutritional deficiencies or adverse reaction to medications.
Relationship with Exercise
Harvard Medical School reports that exercise can increase endorphins, or the "feel good" chemicals in your brain, which may help alleviate depression symptoms. Exercise may also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which can affect your moods. Physical benefits of exercise, such as increased energy and better sleep, can have an effect on mood, and your self-esteem may be boosted by your changing appearance due to exercise.
Beneficial Exercises
To help combat depression symptoms, engage in a half hour to one hour of brisk exercise most days of the week. Walking, cycling, tennis, swimming, jogging, weight training, soccer or any other exercise that raises your heart rate and makes you feel better is beneficial.
Motivation
Finding the motivation to exercise can sometimes be a challenge, due to the nature of the condition. A cycle can form, where you can't be bothered to take the action that will help get you out of the depression. For times like these, enlist the help of a friend or family member to help urge you to get started. Often, it is beginning an exercise program that is the problem and once you start, everything will be fine. You can also use the help of trainers at the gym.
Considerations
Exercise is not a cure for depression, and it is important to continue taking your medication. More severe cases of depression will rely more heavily on the medication aspect of treatment. If you have thoughts about committing suicide, phone 911 or speak to a friend or family member immediately.
