Depression and physical exercise – can physical activity help fight the disease?

Depression is a serious mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many treatments available, one increasingly researched aspect of depression treatment is exercise. In this article, we will look at the scientific research on the link between depression and physical activity, and discuss the psychological and cognitive effects of exercise and how exercise can be helpful in treating depression.

Depression and physical exercise – a study

Scientific research brings more and more evidence that regular physical activity can have a beneficial effect on the mental state of people suffering from depression. One study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who exercised regularly had a 17% lower risk of future depression compared to those who were inactive.

Other studies indicate that exercise may help reduce the symptoms of depression. Regular physical activity can increase the level of endorphins, called happiness hormones, which can contribute to improved well-being and mood.

Psychological and cognitive effects of exercise

Physical exercise also has a positive impact on the psyche and cognitive functions. Regular activity can improve concentration, decision-making and thought processes. People suffering from depression often experience problems concentrating and thinking, so exercise can be especially helpful in improving these functions.

Additionally, physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety, which often accompanies depression. Regular exercise can act as a natural antidepressant, helping you deal with negative emotions.

Physical exercises are also helpful in therapy

Physical exercise can not only help prevent and alleviate the symptoms of depression, but also constitute an important element of therapy for people already struggling with this disease. Therapists increasingly recommend physical activity to their patients as a complement to other forms of therapy, such as psychological therapy or pharmacotherapy.

While exercising, patients may experience improved mood, a sense of control over their body, and greater self-confidence. All this may contribute to more effective depression therapy.

Your suggestions

If you suffer from depression or would like to help someone with depression, it is worth considering introducing regular physical activity into your daily life. You can start with small steps, such as walking or yoga, and then gradually increase the intensity of your exercise.

It is also important to consult a doctor before starting a training program, especially if you have already been diagnosed with depression and are being treated pharmacologically.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of depression and exercise, you may want to check out other articles on this topic. Examples of articles that may interest you include “What exercises to choose to fight depression?” and “Depression and sport – what are the benefits of regular physical activity?”.

It is worth obtaining as much information on this subject as possible in order to effectively fight depression and improve the quality of life.

In summary, there is ample evidence that exercise can be an effective tool in the fight against depression. Regular physical activity can have a beneficial effect on your mental state, cognitive effects and emotional state. Regardless of whether you suffer from depression or want to prevent it, it is worth incorporating exercise into your life and consulting specialists to choose appropriate forms of physical activity tailored to your needs.