Q: I’ve heard that exercise can help depression. Is this true?
A: Absolutely! Research has shown that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medications. The mood-boosting effects of exercise have also been found to last longer; those who exercised were less likely to relapse.
Brisk walking for 35 minutes, 5 days per week, or for 60 minutes, 3 days per week, were both found to significantly improve symptoms in mild and moderate depression. Exercise may be an acceptable substitute for antidepressants in many cases, especially for those who do not wish to take drugs or experience side effects from them. In all cases, exercise should be considered as a key therapy in an individualized treatment plan.
As seen in the Cloverdale Reporter...
A: Absolutely! Research has shown that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medications. The mood-boosting effects of exercise have also been found to last longer; those who exercised were less likely to relapse.
Brisk walking for 35 minutes, 5 days per week, or for 60 minutes, 3 days per week, were both found to significantly improve symptoms in mild and moderate depression. Exercise may be an acceptable substitute for antidepressants in many cases, especially for those who do not wish to take drugs or experience side effects from them. In all cases, exercise should be considered as a key therapy in an individualized treatment plan.
As seen in the Cloverdale Reporter...
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