Posted on 02/26/2023 11:05:24 AM PST by ConservativeMind
Researchers are calling for exercise to be a mainstay approach for managing depression as a new study shows that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counseling or the leading medications.
The review is the most comprehensive to date, encompassing 97 reviews, 1,039 trials and 128,119 participants. It shows that physical activity is extremely beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress.
Specifically, the review showed that exercise interventions that were 12 weeks or shorter were most the effective at reducing mental health symptoms, highlighting the speed at which physical activity can make a change.
The largest benefits were seen among people with depression, pregnant and postpartum women, healthy individuals, and people diagnosed with HIV or kidney disease.
Dr. Ben Singh, says physical activity must be prioritized to better manage the growing cases of mental health conditions.
"Physical activity is known to help improve mental health. Yet despite the evidence, it has not been widely adopted as a first-choice treatment," Dr. Singh says. "Our review shows that physical activity interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in all clinical populations, with some groups showing even greater signs of improvement.
"Higher intensity exercise had greater improvements for depression and anxiety, while longer durations had smaller effects when compared to short and mid-duration bursts.
"We also found that all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercise such as walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga.
"Importantly, the research shows that it doesn't take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health."
"We hope this review will underscore the need for physical activity, including structured exercise interventions, as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
What’s not to like?
Bfl
In terms of symptom severity, many mild or moderate cases are amenable to exercise, yes. But not an option for more severe cases almost by definition.
I like to take a good walk as long as it’s not too cold outside. Good for the cardiovascular system, and on a sunny day you get vitamin D. Plus I keep an eye out for dropped change on the ground.
You never know, everybody's different.
Sounds like an excuse to not get off the couch and try it.
Above mentioned, "gets you around people".
Mine seldom does.
Mini trampoline, kettle bells, weights, pushups, etc.
We’re cleaning out the ancient Milking Parlor in the basement of our barn and putting in a chicken coop. It’s been a lot of physical work, and we’re only half done, but I’ve never been happier! :)
I’m mentally convinced myself that stress and mental anguish is my body crying out for exercise just like when you get hungry you feel like you need to eat. Made a world of difference in my health
You are having difficulty processing life, go hike the Appalachian trail from end to end alone. You will have resolved your stupid petty issues.
Worked for Mark Sanford.
So moving around is better than Rockefeller petroleum BS?
Getting up at 03:30 AM to get my full routine done in time to get to work on time. $;-)
But you do what you gotta do.
I don’t think you appreciate what severe depression is. The mood aspect is just the beginning of it. You are not going to get a catatonic, suicidal, or psychotically depressed patient to exercise. Well, maybe the suicidal patient will but he’s going to run in front of a truck.
It works.
Maybe this is part of why I’m happy almost every minute of every day. I exercise, walking, running, hiking, weights, pushups, exercise ball, etc. Not for hours, but for an hour or so, changing the routine daily as I please. My 3-mile walk
takes about 49 minutes, 3-4 days a week. I wave to and speak with neighbors on my town walks, always a nice thing to do. Same when we walk the large local farmer’s market too. Talking to the farmers/growers is always interesting and fun and we see friends there as well.
Get out in the world and live!
Maybe this is part of why I’m happy almost every minute of every day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZSe6N_BXs
Got a bro-in-law who does the John Muir Trail almost every year. Loves it. He happens to be a rocket scientist. 210 miles, 18-21 days. He talks about the emotional difference of ending or beginning the hike by climbing Mt. Whitney, depending on which end one starts from. He says it’s much more of an emotional conquest to finish with the mountain.
Wow, thanks! I’m not that guy, but I’m going to be. I’m going to bring that song into my band and sing it, will be a blast.
I had forgotten it existed!
If, after you have completed your projects, you ever start feeling a little "down in the dumps" again, I have more work for you!
Regards,
Yeah...no kidding!
Ed Dowd recently explained how he essentially took himself off of mental treatment drugs. He mentioned all of the ‘natural’ self treatments he used/uses...for his very successful treatment...including diet (get off of certain foods) and EXERCISE and faith.
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