Regular exercise can be an effective way to treat some forms of depression. Physical activity alters brain chemistry and leads to feelings of wellbeing. Exercise can also be an effective treatment for anxiety. Some research studies indicate that regular exercise may be as effective as other treatments like medication to relieve mild to moderate depression. Generally, exercise has a place in treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to the illness. Depression explained

Everyone feels sad from time to time, but depression is characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. One in four women and one in six men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives.

Depression is a complicated illness, which can involve a number of contributing factors such as genes, environment, lifestyle, brain chemicals, psychology and personality.

Depression, health and heart attacks

On average, depressed people only exercise about half as much as people who aren’t depressed. This lack of cardiovascular fitness puts a depressed person at an increased risk of heart attack. It also seems that depression and exercise influence each other – a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of depression and depression increases the likelihood of a sedentary lifestyle.

The brain chemical serotonin

Serotonin is an important brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that contributes to a range of functions, including sleep and wake cycles, libido, appetite and mood. Serotonin has been linked to depression.

Some researchers have found that regular exercise, and the increase in physical fitness that results, alters serotonin levels in the brain and leads to improved mood and feelings of wellbeing. Some research indicates that regular exercise boosts body temperature, which may ease depression by influencing the brain chemicals.

Other therapeutic benefits of exercise

Apart from changes in brain chemistry, there are other factors that may help explain the benefits of exercise:
- The person experiences a boost to their self-esteem because they take an active role in their own recovery.
- Some forms of exercise, such as team sports, are also social events.
- Physical activity burns up stress chemicals, like adrenaline, which promotes a more relaxed state of mind.
- An enjoyable bout of exercise may be distracting enough to break the vicious cycle of pessimistic thinking.

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