HOW EXERCISE HELPED ME WITH DEPRESSION
Mon Jul 21 2008
EXERCISE AS A TOOL TO ASSIST IN THE BATTLE AGAINST DEPRESSION
Depression can hit a human being for a number of reasons and at certain points in one's life. Whether it is because of a tragedy, a family crisis, loss of love, not living up to family or your own life expectations or for seemingly no reason at all. It is not necessarily important the way depression occurs in one's life but the way that a person can escape and lift them up out of this disease that is of extreme importance.
Research suggests that one way an individual can improve their mood and self esteem (often the essence of depression) is through exercise. Exercise has been proven to be effective in reducing clinical depression. A 2003 study, of a pool of 82 subjects were assessed on their fitness levels, body fat percentage, mental health and their mood. The study proved that the higher the fitness levels the less symptoms such as tiredness, depression and anger were experienced by the individual and that they had an overall positive outlook towards their life and their future compared to those who had a lower fitness level.
The reason that this occurs has yet to be completely proven however a school of thought includes the fact that exercises releases endorphins and serotonin both been known to be mood enhancers similar to anti depressant medication.
From experience, a large part of depression is fear and a lack of structure to one's life. By undertaking exercise not only are you getting a positive chemical reaction, you are adding structure and taking the first step to getting out of one's comfort zone. It is these reasons I see the true value in exercise prescription to assist in beating depression. Whilst it may not be the only answer it can be an extremely valuable step in the process. Personally having an exercise plan helped me step out of my comfort zone and into an amazing career in the fitness industry, hence allowing me to overcome my battle with depression.
