Exercise And Depression

Walking prescribed for patients with depression

It is estimated that 19 million Americans are living with depression, and three-quarters of patients with severe depression first seek help through their primary care clinic. The average person waits nearly a decade before seeking treatment for mental illnesses.

Research on depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can help improve mental health. Exercise leads to changes in some of the same neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that affect mood) targeted by antidepressant medications used to treat both depression and anxiety disorders. Exercise can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include therapy and medication.

“HealthPartners believes so strongly that exercise will help our patients who have depression that our doctors are prescribing pedometers to anyone screened for depression,” said Mary K. Brainerd, president and CEO of HealthPartners. “This new program goes to the heart of the mission of HealthPartners – that mental health services and care should be as accessible as help for other health conditions and that improvement in health also take place outside of the doctor’s office.”

HealthPartners patients are encouraged to aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity three to five days a week, but for many people with depression, that can seem overwhelming.

“The pedometer program is not meant to replace medication or therapy that may be beneficial to the patient,” said Art Wineman, MD , regional assistant medical director. “But it can be an effective tool in our toolkit for patients. Exercise works because it increases the feel-good chemicals in your brain. It also improves energy, relieves anxiety and helps sleep.”

The pedometer helps patients track even small amounts of physical activity and can encourage them to recognize small success, like walking around the block or parking further from the grocery store. As a patient’s depression improves, they may be able to aim for more vigorous activity, which can be even more effective in improving mood. Anything from running and walking to gardening counts, even though vigorous activity may be more effective.

Three HealthPartners primary care clinics --West (St. Louis Park), Arden Hills and Health Center for Women (St. Paul) -- began the program in August 2010. So far, they have distributed more than 300 pedometers, and HPMG will make the pedometers available to patients at all its clinics this summer.

Utilizing Physical Exercise As Treatment For Depression | Health ...

Anytime a person is identified as having depression the most typical treatment remedies consist of medication and counseling. Although these types of remedies do offer support for anyone troubled with depression, numerous doctors are thinking about the incorporation of physical exercise within their plan for treatment.

There can be several ways that exercise can aid a person struggling with depression. Though it is important to note that if you are diagnosed with depression or believe that you have depression be sure that you talk about therapies with a qualified professional.

These are some reasons how exercise and depression are linked and how some physical activity can be utilized as a therapy solution:

Endorphins:

When somebody goes through any style of physical activity this compound is circulated within the body. Endorphins behave as a painkiller so the main reason that the body produces this chemical substance is to counteract the beating that a body takes during physical activity. Nevertheless, there are side effects of endorphins that will help an individual with depression. This chemical substance can in addition offer a euphoric sensation. This feeling can help individuals achieve a positive mind-set and a general happy condition.

As noted above, the principle reason for endorphins is to work as a painkiller. This is largely created for the impact of physical activity, but this effect can in addition help folks who are dealing with persistent pain or other ailments. This pain may lead to depression, so a relief from the pain can help with treatment.

Group exercise and/or working out with a friend:

By exercising with a few friends, or even within a group of strangers, adds numerous positive social experiences. This social interaction is great therapy for anyone being affected by depression. Furthermore, exercising with others is a wonderful way to maintain a workout program. It is more difficult for a person to quit an exercise program if they realize that there are other people relying on them being there.

Sleep improvement:

Exercise helps individuals attain typical and better sleep. This can be simply because of the demands put on the body. Poor sleep is connected to depression, so acquiring better sleep is yet another wonderful way in which exercise may also help as treatment against depression.

Any exercise can help:

Numerous people are reluctant to start a new workout routine because they figure that they are not able to manage the arduous physical activity. And also, they may think that they merely don’t possess the time. Having said that, any activity can help. Start by simply taking walks around the block a couple of times. This does not require arduous activity and can be accomplished in a short period of time. With time, you will find yourself walking farther and faster. Eventually, that stroll may turn into a jog.

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Exercise and depression

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