Recently I was reviewing the topics I write about in my column, and I came across this topic exercise and depression. I began to ponder some tough times in my life and realize that my rescue exercise regimen always ways to feel better physically and emotionally. It's always me relief from emotional pain, and I know that without it the hard times have led to a deep depression. Times most depressive for me, for example, going through a difficult divorce and became a single parent of two children were very young when try to start a new business, running a business a few years later when support my partner he underwent treatment for cancer, and is now trying to live with the consequences of what that treatment of cancer is to him and marriage. Stuff is not easy, right? I can't tell you how many times the doctor suggested that I go on antidepressants to help me deal with this situation. But I'm a person who does not like taking drugs, and once again, I know one of the best solution for me has been exercising every day in some way. It is not to say that drugs are not appropriate for some people–I am not a doctor and do not claim to know what is right for everyone. It is a choice that you must make for yourself while taking into account the advice of your doctor.
After doing some research on this topic I found that depression affects nearly 19 million adults every year. This statistic does not surprise me a bit-I'm always surprised to see some of my clients noticed that on the antidepressants. But I've read a few articles that refer to a lot of research has been done to support the use of exercise in the treatment of depression. Harvard health publications reported that the effect of exercise on depression can last longer than antidepressants–without unwanted side effects or dangerous or cost associated with drugs. Back in reality, in the last five years, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has been working guidelines for clinical practice in the treatment of depression. One of the treatments that are included in the new guidelines is to exercise regularly.
Studies since 1981 concluded that exercise can improve mood in people who suffer from mild to moderate depression, and may even serve to help people who suffer from severe depression. One study published in 1999 in the Archives of Internal Medicine in which three groups of depressed patients studied. One group participate in aerobic exercise program, other groups put on antidepressants, and the third group of doing both. After 16 weeks, about 60-70 percent of patients in the three groups are no longer classified as having a depression. This shows that if you are like me and you want to avoid drugs, exercise may be an acceptable substitute for antidepressants.
Although the fastest response occurs in groups take antidepressants, the effect of exercise lasts longer. Equally important to note is that the follow-up to the study mentioned above shows that the effect of exercise lasting longer than antidepressants. The researchers found that six months later the patient who continues to engage in regular exercise after study completion less likely suffer relapses of depression.
I know of studies and statistics can be boring for many of us, so consider what recently told my old clients. "I know I'm the depression when there are things to be done, but I can't bring myself to begin with. When I exercise, however, I am more focused and productive. It makes me feel like I did something for me. Achieve something that always makes me feel better. "