depression and exercise

Depression is an insidious illness, a quiet erosion of the soul that affects one in four women and one in eight men. The chances are high that you know someone that has depression or you may even suffer with it yourself, yet the illness still has a serious  stigma attached to it which magnifies the impact even more.
In the past we lived within communities that used to look out for each other, neighbours communicated, giving each other a voice. Life, was temperate. Those days are long gone. It’s a fast paced, self driven society we’ve created now - tasks are ongoing, people are continually busy, rushing from one appointment to another and everywhere we turn we are hit with an onslaught of technology battling for our attention. The result is - a LOT of anxious people out there, helpless and unable to cope as they are expected to, and feeling alone, like they are the ‘only ones’ unable to grapple this overwhelming lifestyle. They smile, hiding their depression behind a mask - because they feel they don’t live up to what society expects them to be and fear being judged. Feelings, aren’t always rational in the mind of a depressive.
As a sufferer who has been on a long journey of eclectic medications in the past, I know when that black dog has it’s hold on me, my saving grace, is exercise - an effective treatment with no side effects! Exercise not only provides physical health benefits, but also mental health benefits. By no means a singular saviour, depression often requires a comprehensive approach for success, but exercise can, and certainly does play a huge role in my life, and can in yours.

How does exercise work to help depression? Exercise increases endorphins - chemicals in the brain that have ‘mood lifting’ properties. Regular activity releases these feel-good brain chemicals, triggering a positive feeling in the body similar to that of morphine and lessens the perception of pain and can also help to relieve the feeling of tension.
The brain neurotransmitter serotonin, which has been linked to depression, affects mood, sleep, libido, appetite and other functions, so increasing the levels of this hormone can increase happiness. Research into the effects of serotonin found regular exercise - and the resulting increase in physical fitness - alters serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and feelings of wellbeing. And, exercise reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which relieves feelings of anxiety and agitation and improves sleep.

Win win! Yet exercise is often the last thing that people feel like doing when they are experiencing depression.
It’s a difficult challenge - I sure understand, but I can vouch that it IS, worth the effort. The toughest part is that first step. It can seem unbearable and like a monumental mountain to conquer. Incredibly overwhelming. However if you suffer with depression I encourage you to take that initial step towards exercising, specially during your lowest ebb because you will, undoubtedly, feel tons better for the experience. You’ll not only be improving your body’s chemical profile but you will also be boosting your self-worth. That beats being curled up in a ball in bed? Absolutely!
After you finish a training session your sense of euphoria and a higher level of energy make it all worthwhile.
For me, I need a solid workout of high intensity training that leaves me exhausted to feel the benefits, but the type and amount of exercise is secondary. The most important thing is movement and taking steps to recovery. Choosing activities based on YOUR enjoyment is far more important.
The physical benefits of exercise include improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced cholesterol level and blood pressure, healthy weight and improved muscle tone. This means treating depression with exercise has added perks... so head out that door, get that body moving. You’re one workout away from an amazing mindset!
Cheers, Ann.