Exercise May Prevent Depression
Summary:
The
article, “One Hour of Exercise a Week Can Prevent Depression” on
Neuroscience News discusses a study finding evidence that just a small
amount of exercise, at least an hour’s worth a week can potentially aid in
prevention of depression in people. People who do not exercise were found to be
more likely to develop depression than individuals who engaged in some type of
exercise or physical activity between 1-2 hours a week. There are still more
studies to be done but it looks like the combination of social interaction and
physical activity of exercising is what aids prevention. The study also
indicated the prevention of other mental illnesses as well. However, there are
no findings that exercise aids in the prevention of anxiety. If more people
started exercising regularly or at least the minimum recommended 1-2 hours a
week, our society would have a greater chance of decreasing depression and becoming
healthier and happier.
Connection:
This
article ties into a topic that we have been discussing in the Abnormal Psychology
course that I am taking this semester, Depression. This mental illness is
becoming more and more common in our society. Depression is a serious mental
illness that if not properly addressed and treated with medication or other
forms of treatment such as talk therapy sessions or physical activities, it
could lead to physical harm or suicide attempts. The course goes into great
detail about different causes of depression as well as possible symptoms
someone suffering from depression may experience. The article discusses how
exercise is a potential way to prevent depression from developing. If more
people exercised for at least an hour a week, we would see a major decrease in the
chance of depression developing.
Link: http://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-depression-7643/
Depression is definitely a serious mental illness that is becoming more and more common. It's great to hear that exercise can reduce the risk of developing depression but it is not the only mental illness it can reduce the risk of. According to the author of Brain Rules, John Medina, exercise can boost cognitive function as well as reduce the risk of general dementia and Alzheimer's. I also agree with you that if more people incorporated exercise into their lives, there will be a higher chance of a healthier and happier society. Personally, I utilize exercise as a coping mechanism for stress. After exercising, I feel relieved and much better than I felt before doing so. I think that for many people, it is just about taking the first step and making it into a routine. Exercise is also not emphasized enough. If it is emphasized more, I anticipate that many people will be willing to give it a try instead of putting it off.
ReplyDeletePhysical activity has been proven to promote so many positive results for our brain health. In many of my psychology courses such as: abnormal, cognitive and pharmacology, they always highly recommended for patients to engage in physical activity before being prescribed an antidepressant but to also pair excersize with medications as treatment if needed. The benefits of exercise can be very reinforcing which will strengthen the continued practices and overall better every aspect of ones health.
ReplyDeleteExercising can help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. All of which can negatively affect brain performance. Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synapse are linked to depression and sadness. Physical activity can release endorphins which can trigger a positive feeling the body, thus, enhance mental performance.
ReplyDeleteI also took Abnormal Psychology and learned about depression. I feel as if the number of people affected by depression in our society today is increasing. Therefore, we need to find a way to help those people and make it easier for them to deal with. Exercising is a great start to helping them deal with their depression. It not only takes your mind off of things but, it also releases endorphin that make you feel good. These chemicals can enhance your sense of well-being. However, exercise is not enough to help those with depression. Anti-depressants could be useful as well as different types of therapy. Overall, exercise can be very useful in the treatment of depression if used.
ReplyDeleteIts really great to read that exercising even as little as an hour a week can have depression reducing benefits as one of peoples biggest reasons not to exercise is lack of time. Depression is becoming so common its really positive to see such a small weekly commitment could make such a big difference for peoples happiness.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who normally engages in exercise several times per week, I can see the results of this study in my own life. Recently my work schedule, along with planning a wedding, have just sucked my time away to where I am not able to go to the gym. I have noticed that I am much more stressed and irritable when I'm not able to exercise.
ReplyDeleteExercise has many benefits to us. Exercise releases chemicals in our brain such as dopamine to help us feel better overall. This release of dopamine is what helps prevent depression. Anything pleasurable you do will have this effect but exercise is a big thing for our brains. I think you did well tying this back to class.
ReplyDeleteHi Hope,
ReplyDeleteI was glad to see your submission this week as it pertains to an inner conflict I struggle with every day: How will I fit exercise back into my schedule and will it really impact my mental wellness? You see I am diagnosed with major depressive disorder and am consequently prescribed with an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) & an NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor). The combination of these drugs has delivered a stronger suppression of depressive symptoms than regular exercise ever has. While I understand you are NOT insinuating exercise can take the place medical intervention, my personal experience calls your summary that “our society would have a greater chance of decreasing depression and becoming healthier and happier” into question.
I am a self-proclaimed yo-yo dieter: I’ve cycled between periods of commitment to try-weekly exercise with clean eating and binging (never purging) fast food to cope with my depression. These periods have been present with and without medical treatment. All else considered, I can’t detect generally improved mood during health conscious periods. I do admit I am happier when I am more fit but to me it has always seemed to originate from meeting weight loss goals and becoming more aesthetically pleasing. Perhaps the benefits are too fundamentally chemical that my perception of mood is beneath the conscious level. Maybe depleted fat stores reduce hormonal disruption of positive mood that is again subconscious. Does the author of your paper elaborate at the biochemical and physiological levels? Has he conducted an actual clinical research trial or is he publishing a theoretical summary of previous findings?
Even if I don’t perceive it consciously at the personal level, I do believe regular weekly exercise has an association with improved general mood. To me, though, the explanation is still confusing. Everyone knows running until you reach your goal causes a big “endorphin release” but that really isn’t specific enough to understand and implement the emotional benefits of weekly exercise. Hopefully after further research and better understanding, physical exercise can be practically incorporated into psychotherapy for clinically depressed patients in conjunction with counseling and drug intervention to produce more reliable treatment and better moods all around.
Thanks
Zach Atkinson