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.
I can only speak for myself, but I am convinced that running was what enabled me to survive suicidal depression many years ago.
While sympathetic to severe depression - a catatonic person isn’t going to just rise up and start swinging kettle bells- I don’t dismiss the general wisdom here. There are STEPS to severe depression and to fight it off before it gets to that state get out in the sunshine, sweat, get your heart rate up and exercise your body. Routinely; daily if necessary. It can FEND OFF the worst and should not be dismissed. It should be reflected in how we raise kids and expectations at
College etc