Exercise For Your Mind’s Sake?by Aminee Alexander

Depression is a major psychological disorder affecting about 9.5% of the U.S. adult population every year (Craft, 2004). Most treatment begins with a cycle of medications that may or may not have a positive effect on the individual but exercise has been shown to be just as helpful as medication(Peluso, 2005). It is well known that exercise is important for our physical health, but does exercise really have an effect on our mental health too. There is a growing amount of research being done focusing on the benefits of exercise on the mind. Research has shown that moderately intense physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can be an effective method to reduce depressive symptoms in patients with mild to moderate depression when used in conjunction with medication(Ho et.al, 2014).

Ever heard of runner’s high? Runner’s high is the euphoric feeling experienced by certain individuals while, you guessed it, running! These runners can run long distances without feeling pain or other uncomfortable feelings that tend to be felt while most are running. It is almost as if they don’t even realize they’re running anymore. This is explained by endorphins, our body’s natural pain blockers, being released during exercise. It is hypothesized that endorphins are released during physical activity and act to inhibit the central nervous system therefore being responsible for the calm feeling and improved mood (Peluso, 2005). There is also evidence that exercise leads to an increase in the availability of the mood-controlling neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and nor-epinephrine that are diminished during depression (Craft, 2004). Although exercise is safer than drugs, it is important not to “overdose” on exercise in hopes of gaining this euphoric feeling.

Those suffering from depression often report feelings of loneliness and are frequently isolated individuals. Group exercise classes can be an effective way to combine the mood enhancing effects of exercise with much needed social support and interaction, in a way that therapy and medication cannot duplicate. They may find that they are not alone in their struggle, people are willing to encourage them throughout the program, or that fitness is a great way for them to cope with their feelings. A study showed that when depressed adults took part in a fitness program they displayed improvement in depression, anxiety, and self concept (Craft, 2004). However, a smaller group fitness class may be more beneficial for depressed individuals at least to begin with.

Not only can social support be gained through exercise classes, a higher level of self-esteem can also be achieved. Self-efficacy, belief and confidence that one can complete a desired task, can also be elevated in depressed individuals during exercise programs (Craft, 2004). When a depressed individual completes a workout, they can experience feelings of accomplishment and perseverance that they may not often feel in other situations.

Although patients suffering with depression require individual-specific treatment, exercise should at least be an option as a treatment for those who are physically able to exercise. Who knows? Maybe the natural effects of exercise will one day be the first choice of treatment for depression.