Exercise for Depression

That regular exercise is an essential ingredient for improving our general health is a well known fact. What you should remember here, is that general health in this respect covers all three aspects of the health triangle: Physically, socially and mentally.

In recent years, studies have shown that regular physical activity has many positive benefits for mental health. Exercise can help people recover from depression and prevent them from becoming depressed in the first place.
To get the most benefit from exercise, do 30 minutes a day at least five days a week, or 45 minutes to an hour at least three times a week.

Exercise can improve mood, reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Exercise has an effect on certain chemicals in the brain that affect our mood and make us feel happier.

Exercise can also boost people’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Dr Alan Cohen, a GP with a special interest in mental health, says that when people get depressed or anxious they often feel they're not in control of their lives.

How to get started: Take part in a team sport, attend classes at a sports centre or just be more active in your daily routine by walking or cycling instead of travelling by car. Find an activity you can do regularly and find exercise classes and sports clubs in your area.

Exercise on prescription: If you haven’t exercised for a long time or are concerned about the effects of exercise on your health, ask your GP (General practitioner) about the exercise on prescription programme. Many GP surgeries across the country prescribe exercise as a treatment for a range of conditions, including depression.

Your GP will refer you to a local active health team for a fixed number of sessions under the supervision of a qualified trainer. You decide with your GP and the active health team what type of activity will suit you. Depending on your circumstances and what’s available locally, the exercise programme may be offered free or at a reduced cost.

Further help and information: Doing more exercise is one of many ways to cope with depression. It's not an alternative to medical help for depression.
There are many treatments available for depression, including talking therapies, antidepressant medication, CAM (Complementary/alternative medicine) methods and self-help of various kinds. If you’ve been feeling down for more than two weeks, visit your GP to discuss your symptoms. They will be able to tell you about the choice of treatment available for depression and help you decide what’s best for you.

References:

• Mental health; National Health Service, UK.
• Keeping active; Beyond Blue, The National Depression Initiative.