Science Forums 2

[Michaelangelica]

this is the sort of thing you will find on the Beyond Blue website.
though sometimes for severly depressed none of this works

Exercise and depression
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Key facts

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Physical activity can be effective in the prevention and management of depression and anxiety.
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Research shows that regular physical activity leads to a 17-28% reduced risk of developing depression in men (20-year follow up study). People who did not take part in physical activity were more likely to have depressive symptoms compared with people who exercised regularly.
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Regular aerobic and strength training activities of light or moderate intensity can lead up to a 50% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially for women and older people.
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In older people, exercise has been found to be just as beneficial as antidepressant medication or social contact in the treatment of depression.
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The cycle of depression can be broken by doing pleasurable activities, including keeping fit (riding a bike, jogging, playing football or going for a 20 minute walk).

How can physical exercise help mental health?



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Exercise can lift mood, aid uninterrupted sleep, increase energy, decrease fatigue and lead to an improved sense of wellbeing in the general population.
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Exercise may block negative thoughts or distract people from daily worries.
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If a person exercises with other people it can increase social contact.
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Compared to people without depression, depressed people generally have lower fitness levels.
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Exercising releases natural chemicals in our brains (endorphins) that have a similar uplifting effect as prescription antidepressants.