Treating Depression with Exercise
Depression is an ever-growing problem in today's society. Its symptoms affect millions of people worldwide, and include fatigue, irritability, sleeplessness or sleeping too much, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or actions. This disease is attributed to many causes, including biological, genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include having a close relative who has been diagnosed, increased stress levels, hormonal changes, drug and alcohol abuse, low self-esteem and having been diagnosed with a serious illness. Furthermore, studies show that females are much more likely to suffer than males.
Treatments vary wildly, and include counseling, group and one-on-one therapy, holistic remedies and prescription medications. In addition to these treatments, studies have shown that regular exercise is beneficial to mild to moderate sufferers. Some research has even indicated that the effects of working last longer than those of prescription medications. Proponents of this theory claim that physical activity increases mood, reduces stress and anxiety levels, heightens self-esteem and lends to improved sleep habits. In addition, physical activity has no harmful side effects such as those seen in many prescription medications.
What is the basis for claiming a relationship between exercise and depression treatment? There are several scientific arguments that seem to confirm an exercise and depression hypothesis. First, physical activity releases endorphins, known as "feel good" chemicals, into the blood stream. These chemicals reduce pain levels and can lead to a calm, euphoric feeling, which causes a boost in mood. It also stimulates the production of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Increased levels of norepinephrine has been shown to have an overall positive effect on mood and outlook. These chemical aspects are proven facts about exercise, and depression sufferers often find themselves deficient in these same chemicals. Physical activity boosts mood, thereby improving outlook and overall condition.
The effects of working as a way to improve self-esteem are widely recognized. Many depressed individuals suffer from a poor self-image, and can benefit from getting in shape. Fitness can also help with setting and reaching goals, which could help individuals gain confidence in themselves and their abilities to follow through with tasks and routines. In addition, joining gyms and fitness clubs can help with getting out of the house and meeting new people, which can also improve confidence and self-image.
Many patients cite low energy levels as a symptom. Therefore, gaining the motivation to work out may sometimes be a challenge. However, physical exertion actually improves energy levels by getting the heart pumping and the blood flowing. This could help with the sluggish, tired feeling many patients experience. Working out also improves sleep habits, which could help improve mood and decrease anxiety and irritability.
Depression has many symptoms, and just as many treatments. While some treatments, such as exercise and herbal remedies, are less risky than others, it's important to talk to a doctor when you first begin noticing symptoms. This will ensure receiving proper care for your unique set of circumstances.
Treatments vary wildly, and include counseling, group and one-on-one therapy, holistic remedies and prescription medications. In addition to these treatments, studies have shown that regular exercise is beneficial to mild to moderate sufferers. Some research has even indicated that the effects of working last longer than those of prescription medications. Proponents of this theory claim that physical activity increases mood, reduces stress and anxiety levels, heightens self-esteem and lends to improved sleep habits. In addition, physical activity has no harmful side effects such as those seen in many prescription medications.
What is the basis for claiming a relationship between exercise and depression treatment? There are several scientific arguments that seem to confirm an exercise and depression hypothesis. First, physical activity releases endorphins, known as "feel good" chemicals, into the blood stream. These chemicals reduce pain levels and can lead to a calm, euphoric feeling, which causes a boost in mood. It also stimulates the production of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Increased levels of norepinephrine has been shown to have an overall positive effect on mood and outlook. These chemical aspects are proven facts about exercise, and depression sufferers often find themselves deficient in these same chemicals. Physical activity boosts mood, thereby improving outlook and overall condition.
The effects of working as a way to improve self-esteem are widely recognized. Many depressed individuals suffer from a poor self-image, and can benefit from getting in shape. Fitness can also help with setting and reaching goals, which could help individuals gain confidence in themselves and their abilities to follow through with tasks and routines. In addition, joining gyms and fitness clubs can help with getting out of the house and meeting new people, which can also improve confidence and self-image.
Many patients cite low energy levels as a symptom. Therefore, gaining the motivation to work out may sometimes be a challenge. However, physical exertion actually improves energy levels by getting the heart pumping and the blood flowing. This could help with the sluggish, tired feeling many patients experience. Working out also improves sleep habits, which could help improve mood and decrease anxiety and irritability.
Depression has many symptoms, and just as many treatments. While some treatments, such as exercise and herbal remedies, are less risky than others, it's important to talk to a doctor when you first begin noticing symptoms. This will ensure receiving proper care for your unique set of circumstances.
