Depression is eased by exercise...according to latest reports

[Kathy]

While its not a cure, there are new stats from a report that say that exercise helps to ease the symptoms and effects of depression. Makes sense to me.

I feel better after I exercise.

Exercise helps reduce symptoms of depression, UT Southwestern researchers find

DALLAS - Jan. 25, 2005 - Jumping on that treadmill or bike is not only good for one's health, but also can help significantly reduce depression, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found.

The first study to look at exercise alone in treating mild to moderate depression in adults aged 20 to 45 showed that depressive symptoms were reduced almost 50 percent in individuals who participated in 30-minute aerobic exercise sessions three to five times a week...Read more (http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept37389/files/203820.html)

What do you think?

[Votelady]

I know first hand that exercise helps with depression. I had a major depressive episode a few years ago and exercise really helped me get it together again. I notice now that if I am not exercising it really affects my mood.

[Marian Paroo]

I know first hand that exercise helps with depression. I had a major depressive episode a few years ago and exercise really helped me get it together again. I notice now that if I am not exercising it really affects my mood.


Hi Votelady, glad to see you here --

I try to either exercise or race walk every day, and I never, never, have dark thoughts when doing either.

[OrahDeb]

That was a good article, Kathy. Makes you wonder if doctors will be 'prescribing' exercise for their patients one day soon? Wouldn't it be graet if HMO's would actually pay for patients' memberships at health clubs and such? Maybe some do, I don't know (Mine doesn't). I have noticed that I just feel better when I exercise even if it's "just" walking for at least that half hour each day. :)

[Votelady]

I work for the county and they offer a free aerobics class for all employees at the Y. That is where I started exercising; I've since moved on to another type of class but I think it is a great benefit for our employees.

[Canadian Girl]

While I had not read that article, it's finding do not surprise me: it's been known for years that exercise provides a natural high. Exercise is also a great way to eliminate stress. Finally, whenever I'm down and out and in the dumps, I don my jacket, take the leash out and go for a long walk with the dog. That gives me time to work off my stress/anger/whatever, to think things over and to calm down.

Makes you wonder if doctors will be 'prescribing' exercise for their patients one day soon?

That would be wonderful. I wonder why this day is not here yet, when we know all the benefits of exercise :confused:

[clogaholic]

My insurance has a "Wellness" plan. It doesn't actually pay for gyms and such but offers discounts for members at participating companies. There aren't any near me though.

I do find that after a nice brisk walk or some dancing, I usually feel good :)

[YellowRoseTex]

I've been reading more and more about exercise helping with depression. Thanks for sharing the article with us Kathy. :kiss:

[Carmen]

Makes you wonder if doctors will be 'prescribing' exercise for their patients one day soon?

My doctor who is treating me for depression emphasizes the importance of daily (or almost daily!) exersize. This does not have to involve swimming laps or going to a gym, although those physical activities are terrific if you have the opportunity and can squeeze it into a hectic routine. Daily exercise can be as simple as a half-hour walk, at a brisk pace. No special attire needed, no membership, no restriction on hours you can do it...just put on a pair of grubby sweatpants and T-shirt and take a quick walk around your neighborhood. It's as easy as pie! :D <added perk: you get to know your neighbors...and their dogs!>

Although I don't really consciously notice that daily exercise makes me feel better, I believe I probably would feel much worse if I neglected to do it.

[supersupperthecolony]

Thanks for this post! I was wondering what was wrong with me

[jasper]

My insurance has a "Wellness" plan. It doesn't actually pay for gyms and such but offers discounts for members at participating companies. There aren't any near me though.

I do find that after a nice brisk walk or some dancing, I usually feel good :)

My insurance has a "wellness" plan as well, it pays for gyms and exercise programs and also natural therapies.
I think alot of Drs now prescribe it!!!
I realised first hand this week that excercise really does lift mood, pushing myself to get to Curves yesterday was hard but I left there feeling 100% better :jumpbun:

[Kyleigh]

I enjoy a brisk walk! It clears my mind and makes me feel better, especially if it's sunny. :sunny: I've never walked and returned feeling worse than when I went left. I always feel better. :bliss:

Interesting article!

[Mori]

I plan on starting my outdoor walking routine once the weather gets better. For now I visit malls for window shopping & walking benefits.

[butterfly05450]

i recently found out i have depression and need to lose weight i am new here and already lots of great info. thanks to help any other indeas is greatly helpful.

[angrw76]

I have also found that exercise helps my mood. It is definitely good for stress too. And I think not only the physical activity but getting some sunshine helps a lot if you are not out often enough. Everyone hides from the sun these days but a few minutes of good sunshine everyday does me wonders!