Exercise not only provides physical health benefits, but also provides mental health benefits. People with depression tend to feel sluggish and often do not feel like exercising. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33 percent of adults do not engage in any form of leisure-time physical activity. Increasing physical activity reduces stress and improves depression. Some mental health providers are now prescribing exercise in addition to therapy and medication to combat depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression leads to feelings of sadness, worthlessness and guilt. Depression causes irritability, difficulty sleeping, reduced sex drive and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Changes in appetite are common. People with depression report fatigue and unexplained physical symptoms including back pain and headaches. Depressed people report difficulty concentrating and feeling overwhelmed with small tasks.
Prevalance of Depression
Mood disorder refers to a category of mental illness that includes major depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 20 percent of adults meet criteria for a mood disorder at some point in their lives. They also report women are 50 percent more likely to experience a mood disorder and the average age of onset is 30 years old.
Mind-Body Connection
Research supports a strong connection between mental and physical health. According to the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of all visits to primary care physicians are stress related. The APA also reports that 43 percent of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress. Such studies have supported the idea that depression treatment should include physical activity. MayoClinic.com reports that even 10 minutes of exercise per day can benefit depression. Exercising for 30 minutes at least three days per week provides optimum benefits.
Impact of Exercise on Depression
Exercise eases symptoms of depression in several ways. Physical activity releases endorphins, which may improve mood. Exercise reduces immune system chemicals that can increase depression. Increased body temperature experienced during physical activity produces calming effects. Exercise increases confidence and provides a distraction from negative thoughts. Exercising may offer more opportunities to socialize and offers people a healthy way to cope with depression.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Exercise or Physical Activity
- MayoClinic.com; Depression and Anxiety: Exercises Eases Symptoms; Oct. 2009
- MayClinic.com; Depression Symptoms; Feb. 2010
- American Psychological Association: Mind/Body Health: Did You Know?
- National Institute of Mental Health: Any Mood Disorder Among Adults
