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.
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.
“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.”
You are so right. Exercise isn’t going to cure major depression. It might reduce the agitation and some other symptoms but it is not going to fix the problem. I am 65 y.o. and I have had 5 episodes of major depression. I have never been suicidal because I knew that something was wrong with me and not my life. I don’t know how to explain this other than that during an episode I remember doing things and thinking “I would really be enjoying myself right now if i didn’t have this depression”. Anti-depressants actually treat the disease. I know because I am a slow responder and require the maximum dose so it is not a placebo effect. Anyone out there having overwhelming depression, anxiety, early morning awaking and loss of appetite etc. get help. Anti-depressants are not fun drugs in the beginning. They will make you actually feel worse at first. I believe that is a sign that they will eventually work because the one drug that did not help me had virtually no side effects. Anti-depressants have been around more than 60 years. They would not have been around this long if they were not effective.