Getting Active Helps Depression

With depression being a very real and prevalent condition among young adults, it’s encouraging to find that regular physical activity is something that may help.

Depression: what is it?
It is important to remember that depression is not simply someone experiencing a bad day—but an overwhelming emotion or feeling that persists for prolonged periods, which alters that person’s normal day-to-day functioning.4

What are the positives?
Regular physical activity is certainly not proposed as a cure for depression, but rather, as a self-help therapy that may complement the other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
Research into physical activity so far has revealed a moderate reduction in some symptoms associated with depression.1,2,3 While the research is not entirely conclusive, it does look promising, and the reported benefits of regular activity for sufferers of depression have included:

• Better sleep
• Distraction from low mood
• A biochemical effect, where the hormones associated with mood are affected positively, and
• A positive impact on the functions of the nervous system.

What kind of physical activity?
Just about any kind of physical activity can be beneficial—but aim for an exercise you find enjoyable. This sounds obvious, but it really is an important consideration for anyone beginning a new activity program. Why? Because choosing the right exercise for you will not only boost the pleasure offered by your participation, but also help you to remain active long-term and gain the other health benefits offered by regular physical activity.

Getting started
It’s important to remember that starting an activity program may not be easy at the best of times, because it means forming new habits. So, it is wise for anyone suffering from depression to be realistic, plan things ahead and start slowly, making the physical activity manageable and not a burden. Additionally, one of the best ways to find encouragement and motivation is to be active with a trusted friend or relative.

Want extra information?
For further information and resources about depression, you may find the following web sites helpful:
www.beyondblue.com.au
www.mentalhealth.org.nz
www.mhca.com.au

References:
1. A McCallum, Is Exercise a Treatment for Depression? in: New Zealand Fitness, February/March 2004, pages 40-41.
2. K R Fontaine, Physical Activity Improves Mental Health, Phys and Sports Med, Oct 2000, 28(10). Available via www.sportsmed.com
3. M Artal and C Sherman, Mobilize Against Depression, Phys and Sports Med, Oct 1998, 26 (10). Available via www.sportsmed.com
4. B A Kitchener and A F Jorm (2002), Mental Health First Aid Manual, Centre for Mental Health Research, Canberra.