Information

Using Exercise to Battle Depression

By: Andrew Bicknell
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:18:42
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

The last thing most people who suffer from depression want to do is exercise. The dark hole of depression can make even getting out of bed everyday a seemingly impossible task. If you suffer from depression it is imperative that you see your doctor or a therapist first, but don’t be surprised if they prescribe some sort of exercise regimen for you to follow in addition to some of the more normal treatments for depression.

Now as hard as it may seem to get out and start exercising when you are depressed there are some real benefits to be had.

1.	Improves your confidence. As you get in better shape you will gain more confidence in yourself and your ability to meet your goals.
 2.	Increases your self-esteem. Exercise will improve your appearance and your sense of self worth. It will also improve your health and vitality.
 3.	A distraction. Having a set schedule for your exercise routine, no matter what it is, gives you something to look forward to and can help take your mind off of your problems.
 4.	Stress relief. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and frustration.
 5.	Getting out.  Exercising allows you to get out and interact with other people, whether at the gym or just greeting people during your nightly walk.
 6.	Good coping strategy. Exercise is beneficial to anyone who does it. It is a positive way to deal with depression, anxiety or stress because you will benefit in the long run from it.

An important thing to remember is that as hard as it may seem to start exercising when you are depressed is that if you can get started the benefits will far outweigh any negative thoughts you may have about doing it. And once you get going don’t give up. Once you’ve decided to start exercising make sure you don’t over do it. Because nothing will cause you to loose all interest than a sore and broken body. Here are some general guidelines to consider before you start your exercise program.

1.	Talk to your doctor or therapist first. They can help guide you and refer you to someone who can help you set up an exercise program that’s right for you.
 2.	Set simple goals. Exercise should be fun and make you feel good. Don’t approach it like you are training for the Olympics. Start easy and build from there.
 3.	Go with what you enjoy.  If you have worked out in the past and enjoyed what you were doing start with that again. For some people just simply going for a walk is enjoyable for them.
 4.	Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend is great for helping lift your mood. It gives you someone to talk to and enjoy your work-out with.
 5.	Go outside. Getting out in the fresh air and sun is always a good way to improve your mood. Even if you work-out in a gym, take the time to go for a walks a couple of times a week.
 6.	Don’t let setbacks get you down. Some days you may not be able to get in your exercise. Don’t let that bother you, it happens to everyone. Keep at it and you will see your growth.

Using exercise as a treatment for depression is a growing trend. But you should always consult your doctor or therapist if you are feeling depressed or exhibit the symptoms of depression. Embarking on an exercise program on your own is not the right thing to do. It should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication and therapy. Taken together with these other therapies, exercise can be a great way to help battle your depression.

Andrew Bicknell is a writer and owner of Depression and You.com. Visit his website for more information about depression during menopause and other depression disorders.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Depression category

  • Work Stress? It's a State of Mind - By: Sandra Prior
    It may be that events at work conspire against you - but it's how you respond to them that makes all the difference. It all comes down to attitude. Each of our attitudes is like a pebble thrown into the still waters of the pond, creating a ripple effect all around us.
  • What Can Be Done about Depression in Alzheimer's Disease? - By: John Scott
    The article considers whether there is any evidence that Zoloft may assist people who have Alzheimer's Disease and are depressed. It concludes that the limited evidence is quite encouraging.
  • Learning from the past - By: John Scott
    The article looks back to 1994 when the cost of anxiety disorders to the US economy was $65 billion. Because public health care is underfunded, treatments have focused on oral medications as the cheap solution rather than expensive behavioural therapy which has a better chance of a cure.
  • A new study shows insomnia is more persistent - By: John Scott
    The article considers a twenty year study into insomnia which found that sleep loss continued and worsened over time, and that it was often followed by depression.
  • What is the story behind pre-emption? - By: John Scott
    The article visits the thorny legal question of pre-emption in relation to the liability of drug companies. It concludes that the Supreme Court should allow people injured by medications to sue.
  • How do you stay at the top of your league? - By: John Scott
    The article notes that the Neurogen Corp., a biotech company based in Connecticut, has just laid off forty-five staff and raised $30m so that it can afford to pay for the trials to prove the worth of a competitor to Ambien (and three other medications). Is the gamble worth the jobs of forty-five employees?
  • Instead of counting sheep, we should be counting prescriptions - By: John Scott
    The article wonders why insomnia seems to have become an epidemic. Millions of prescriptions a day are written around the world. Perhaps it is the 24/7 lifestyle or that we worry too much. Whatever it is, the world as a whole is suffering from lack of sleep.
  • Should DUI Become DUIA? - By: John Scott
    The articles notes a paper presented in the March meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Science which identified ambien as one of the top ten drugs found in blood samples following arrests for traffic offences. It seems that "sleep driving" may be a new danger to other road users.
  • Prejudice and disability - By: John Scott
    The article reflects on the nature of disability and considers why many for suffer from anxiety and panic attacks fail to complete the course of treatment
  • Effectiveness of Warnings Put out by the FDA and Health Canada - By: John Scott
    The article looks at two decisions in the US courts and some new Canadian research about the effectiveness of warnings put out by the FDA and Health Canada. It seems that the warning about the risk of suicide when taking SSRIs were inadequate but pre-emption prevents a tort claim in the US.