Exercise Found to be an Effective Treatment Option for Depression, Study Shows
Exercise has emerged as a promising treatment option for depression, according to a recent study published in The BMJ. The study highlights various exercises that have been found to reduce depressive symptoms, either independently or when combined with therapy and medications. Notably, the intensity of the activity plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training were identified as the top three exercises for reducing depression.
The study’s findings reveal that each type of exercise offers unique benefits to mental health. Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains, “With some types really promoting mindfulness and keeping you in the moment, others leaving you with a sense of accomplishment, and others yet giving you more intense boosts in the feel-good hormones in your brain.” This highlights the importance of choosing an exercise routine that aligns with individual preferences and needs.
Dr. Chaudhary, who recommends exercise to almost all of her patients, emphasizes the need for further research to validate the effectiveness of different types of exercise in addressing depression. However, she believes that the study’s meta-analysis of trials provides valuable support for exercise as an intervention for depression.
Depression affects approximately 16 million adults in the United States each year, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, guilt, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, decreased concentration, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, changes in appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide attempts lasting at least two weeks.
Dr. Mimi Winsberg, a psychiatrist trained at Stanford University, has been prescribing exercise to her patients with depression for over two decades. She expresses her enthusiasm for the study’s findings, stating, “It’s wonderful to have the meta-analysis of trials to support this intervention.”
One of the significant advantages of exercise as a treatment option for depression is its well-tolerated nature. Yoga and strength training, in particular, were found to be especially comfortable and free from significant discomfort or pain. This makes them accessible to individuals with varying levels of physical fitness and abilities.
Doctors stress the importance of finding an exercise routine that brings joy and satisfaction. Rather than prioritizing one type of exercise as the “best,” individuals should focus on activities they enjoy the most. Dr. Chaudhary encourages patients to explore different forms of exercise, as it may lead to unexpected positive outcomes. She advises, “You may be pleasantly surprised to find that something different from your usual routine leaves you feeling better than you thought it would.”
In conclusion, the recent study published in The BMJ highlights the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment option for depression. The findings underscore the unique benefits that different types of exercise offer to mental health. With further research, exercise may become an integral part of depression management strategies. As individuals embark on their exercise journey, they are encouraged to prioritize enjoyment and variety, allowing them to discover the exercise routine that best suits their needs. Ultimately, exercise has the potential to improve mental well-being and contribute to a healthier, happier life.
