Physical exercise as a means of treatment against depression

Depression has become a part of our lives due to the hum and drum of everyday life. Everyday harsh conditions and economic recession have made depression a common condition among many people. 

However, there are distinctions between plain melancholy or sorrow, sadness, bad mood and actual depression. For a person to be diagnosed with depression, he should be evaluated in connection with cognitive, emotional, behavioural and nervous symptoms for specific time periods.

Depression constitutes a state of pathological sorrow accompanied by a noticeable loss of self-esteem and painful slowdown of mental, psychokinetic and organic procedures. It is usually combined with low self-esteem, self-pity, feelings of incapability, pessimism, despair and even suicidal tendencies.

It is considered to be one of the most important sicknesses in the field of mental health whereas the Worldwide Health Foundation has announced that by the year 2020 it will be the No2 sickness on the list.

Depression and medication

Being under medication seems a convenient solution for those who suffer from depression. But is it effective enough or is it just a quick way of covering up the problem?

Is exercise the right medicine?

An alternative way which is healthier and more affordable to fight depression is exercising. It has been proven that people who do not engage in any or in a limited form of exercise, have double chances of demonstrating symptoms of depression in comparison with people who exercise.

Moreover, it has been recorded that adults who trained for about 3 hours per week, showed a reduction in the depression symptoms of about 27% in comparison with those who exercised less than an hour per week.

Numerous studies show that mild exercise is connected with less depression and stress and contributes to the improvement of mood and general well-being. Increase in the brain blood flow, changes in norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, less muscle tension, increase in self-control, ability and self-effectiveness are some of the reasons which justify the results mentioned above.

Aerial Acrobatics and Pole Dancing

Regarding Aerial Acrobatics and Pole Dancing, the combination of physical activity, music and dancing is an ideal solution to the treatment of depression by building up positive feelings of euphoria and competency.

In conclusion, we could say that depression is a complex and multi-faceted sickness which can only be diagnosed by an expert who can prescribe medication only in severe cases. It is important to know that

1. Psychological support
2. Self-awareness procedure
3. Exercise

Can be alternative forms of therapy with immediate and stable results. Holistic treatment and the right choice of an expert therapist are really important to get rid of the problem without any unwanted side effects.

References:
-Dunn, A. L., Trivedi, M. H., Kampert, B. J., Clark, C. G., & Chambliss, H. O. (2005). Exercise treatment for depression. Efficacy and dose response. American Journal Prenentive Medicine, 28, 1-8.
-Martinsen, E.W. (2008). Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 62, 25-29.
-Mather, A. S., Rodriguez C., Guthrie F. M., McHarg, A. M., Reid, C. I., & McMurdo, E. M. (2002). Effects of exercise on depressive symptoms in older adults with poorly responsive depressive disorders. Brain Journal Psychiatry, 180, 411-415.