Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that cause pain and suffering for millions of Americans each year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 40 million U.S. adults live with an anxiety disorder, while around 20 million suffer from depression. For some people, regular exercise can help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Understanding the connection between exercise, depression and anxiety disorders allows patients and their doctors to formulate the most effective treatment plan.
Causes
To date, no single cause has been found for anxiety and depression disorders. In most instances, a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors is believed to play a role in a person's overall likelihood of developing a mental illness. An imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are thought to cause mood- and anxiety-related symptoms like sadness, loss of interest and nervousness, though the cause for this imbalance is not well understood.
Benefits of Exercise
In addition to its contribution to physical health, exercise has unique benefits for patients with anxiety and depression. Exercise eases symptoms by releasing neurotransmitters like serotonin that boost mood. Exercise can improve psychological health by increasing confidence, encouraging social interaction and giving patients a healthy way to cope with negative emotions. Other benefits of regular exercise include improved immune function and weight management.
Limitations
Despite its positive effects, exercise is not a cure for anxiety and depression disorders. Reuters Health states that the benefits of exercise for depression are modest and usually fade as exercise programs are stopped. Still, exercise is vital for people with depression, who suffer from higher rates of diabetes and heart disease than the general population.
Methods
Fatigue, nervousness and poor self-esteem can make exercising difficult for anxiety and depression sufferers. Find workouts you enjoy, set realistic goals and identify the barriers that prevent you from exercising to increase adherence to a workout regimen. For instance, people who are self-conscious about their weight or appearance can exercise at home. Finding ways to work exercise into your everyday routine, such as biking to work or parking farther from entrances, can also be helpful. While 30 minutes a day is ideal, as little as 10 to 15 minutes may be enough to ease anxiety and depression symptoms.
Considerations
Exercise is not a substitute for medication and other medical treatments. To prevent serious complications, never stop taking your medications without first talking to your doctor.
