According to the National Institute of Mental Illness, approximately 12 million women in the United States suffer from depression each year. Depression in women is almost twice as much as in men. More people suffer from depression than AIDS, cancer, and coronary heart disease. About fifteen percent of those who are affected with severe and prolonged depression are aware of death. It’s not entirely clear why women are more prone to depression, but some research points to hormones, genetics, social issues including abuse and violence, as well as personality types can play all roles. While it sounds like bad news for women, depression is a very treatable disease. Common treatments for the disorder are medication and therapy. But exercise plays an increasing role in the treatment of depression, as science brings a better understanding of brain chemistry and the medical benefits of exercise.
One of the key neurotransmitters in the brain is serotonin. The link between depression and serotonin is well established and in fact, serotonin is involved in many brain functions. a>. Serotonin is linked to mental health diagnosis with depression and anxiety and other problems such as hypertension, obesity, nausea. and migraines. Increasing serotonin levels has a positive effect on the symptoms of these disorders. The latest drugs used in the treatment of depression, for example, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work to increase serotonin. Exercise provides an alternative or complementary way to raise serotonin levels. The stronger the exercise, the better the results, but even moderate exercise has fruitful results.
Some studies have suggested the benefits of exercise as a treatment for depression, drug addiction and psychotherapy. Exercise can be the answer for those who want to try something before starting a medication regime, or for those who have already tried everything to no avail. For some, he meditated for half an hour in an overwhelming exercise. It’s hard to find a reason to exercise when you’re depressed. The exercise of control should not start from the best level, although it is useful. A study from Duke University actually shows that even starting with a simple ten-minute walk can alleviate some symptoms of depression.
For people with depression, the recommendation for good treatment benefits and symptom reduction is about three hours of exercise each week, or half an hour a day. This card shows the true mental health benefits by reducing depressive symptoms. Starting with ten minutes a day and gradually working up to thirty minutes a day can be a manageable program for someone struggling to overcome depression. Starting the program with a supportive friend or family member can make all the difference.
Depression affects about 17 million American adults each year and people with depression are four times more likely to have a heart attack than those without depression, according to National Institute of Mental Illness. The need to treat this disease is clear. Walking, running or other forms of exercise can make a difference by reducing symptoms and treating the body and mind.
