Exercise and Depression
How useful is exercise for people with severe depression, anxiety, or chronic mental illness? Hundreds of studies suggest it may help, but the actual causal relationships between exercise and mental health remain unclear. The December issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter outlines several possible explanations for the apparent mood-enhancing effect of exercise.
According to a recent press release, the Harvard Mental Health Letter suggests some of the following explanations for the apparent mood-enhancing effect of exercise:
- enhanced body image
- social support from exercise groups
- distraction from everyday worries
- heightened self-confidence from meeting a goal
- altered circulation of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and the endorphins.
The newsletter also suggests that exercise may serve as a form of ‘predictable stress’ that supplies a kind of ‘vaccination’ against the uncontrolled stress that leads to depression and anxiety.
It remains difficult to identify the exact causal relationships between mood and exercise, as the press release explains:
It’s also possible that exercise’s effect on mental health is an illusion, says the Harvard Mental Health Letter. According to some surveys and observational studies, it could be that depression and anxiety prevent people from exercising, rather than the other way around. Or some feature of personality or upbringing might cause both depression and sedentary habits.
Even controlled trials on the subject often have problems, such as insufficient follow-up, the difficulty of correcting for the effect of expectations, and the fact that people who volunteer for exercise studies are not necessarily typical.
These doubts may not matter, because exercise has many health benefits and does little harm. But low motivation is a problem. People are often told to find an activity they enjoy, but depressed people don’t enjoy anything much. So it’s necessary to begin slowly and remember that exercise does not have to be strenuous to be helpful. Walking, gardening, or household work will do.
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Other articles by Dr Greg Mulhauser, Managing Editor
This article was last reviewed by on Tuesday, 22nd November 2005. You can leave a response below.
The URL of this page is:
http://counsellingresource.com/features/2005/11/22/exercise-and-depression/
7th December 2005
I have personally had success with exercise improving the symptoms of depression.
I have recently completed a trial program with 4 participants suffering from various degrees of depression. After 12 weeks of structured personal training, 3 of the 4 are in remission and the fourth has improved from a classification of severe depression to one of mild depression.
These results were better than expected. In the new year, I will be working with 20+ participants.
If anyone has any questions, my email is [personal email address deleted — please post web references only]
8th February 2006
I am currently researching my dissertation on “The benefits of exercise on persons suffering from depression” i would appreciate if anyone could help me with studies or research.
Thanks
1st March 2006
I administer a Mental Health Peer Support Group/Drop-in center. We have recently been awarded a mini-grant to purchase exercise equipment ( treadmill, eliptical bike , etc.) so that we can become more fit and reduce depression and anxiety. We will need to track our outcomes in both physical health and reduction of depression and anxiety. Are there any surveys, charts or analytical instruments that could help us?
1st March 2006
Hi Diana,
That sounds pretty exciting!
Our section on Psychological Tests and Quizzes includes a few of the more commonly used screening tests for depression and anxiety (as well as some references to the research surrounding them), if that would be any help.
All the best,
Greg
28th July 2007
Ive been suffering from depression all my life. 5 years ago I finally sought out help. I saw a therapist and I am currently taking Wellbutrin and Effexsor.
I have always been athletic and enjoyed sports but until recently I have only exercised sporadically over the last 10 years.
Now Im involved in sports and get exercise at least 3 times a week hoping to elevate my declining mood. I enjoy playing and do well at what ever I play. Although I enjoy the “release” during exercise I end up feeling very angry and intollerent towards people/things/life for the next day or so. In the end my body feels good, but I revert back to the grumpy jerk Ive been trying so hard not to be.