Exercise improves brain health in ways that offers protection against depression… But what if an individual already has depression?
Although the symptoms of depression are quite common, severe symptoms may require medical interventions for recovery. One reason is because this condition can limit daily energy and ability to complete activities of daily living. Not only is the person affected suffering with limited energy. Their fatigue and mood issues tend to impact many other aspects of their life. They may lose the ability to leave the home to complete shopping tasks, or keep their homes clean. They might have difficulty maintaining relationships and employment as well.
A personalized approach to treatment is important, so it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor who understands a person’s specific symptoms and health history. Only a doctor can provide therapeutic options such as psychiatric care and prescription medications. This may be crucial to ease symptoms and get on the path to recovery.
In addition to these lines of treatment, exercise can be helpful for easing the severity of depression symptoms. Studies show that exercise alone or in combination with medication can help us achieve clearer thinking and a more positive mood.
Clinical Depression is more than just a low mood. It describes a major depression that lasts for several weeks in which an individual loses interest in normal activities. Other symptoms are often present, including worsening sleep, concentration, and changes in body weight. About one in four adults may suffer an episode of major depression at some point in their life.
What does the research reveal about the potential of exercise in these clinical populations? Does your brain benefit from exercise?
Our kids are resilient and have lower rates of depression compared to other ages, but the pandemic has caused a rise in childhood depression. When children with diagnosed depression are involved in exercise studies, their results are very positive. With increasing amounts of physical activity, they can reduce the severity of their symptoms.
The habit of exercise is very important for brain development because it can optimize the size and function of brain regions that help us learn and remember. It’s also important because stress coping strategies can help us at all stages of life, and exercise is an ideal way to manage stress. What are the researchers saying about the promise of exercise in children? “This study shows dose–response benefits of exercise on depressive symptoms and self-worth in children.”
The ages of 12 to 17 is rife with new challenges, but regular exercise seems to make this transitional time a little bit easier. Exercise can improve their ability to function and also their wellbeing. In their own words, researchers describe the importance of exercise:
“Exercise showed a significant large overall antidepressant effect on adult patients recruited via mental health services with a referral or a clinical diagnosis of major depression.” These promising results may be crucial for younger adults in particular, because major depression is most prevalent in individuals aged 18-25 (17%).
Most statistics related to depression worsened during the pandemic, a time in which global activity levels dropped. Almost 84% of older adults reported a loss of fitness as they led more sedentary lives due to the pandemic. A recent review on the role of exercise for older individuals with clinical depression concluded that “physical exercise can treat major depressive disorder successfully in the elderly.”
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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