Exercise – a Mental as well as Physical Lift

29/10/2009

The current economic climate and the associated stresses it has brought with it has been cited as a major cause of a rise in the number of individuals being diagnosed with depression. It has also served to once again demonstrate how easy it can be to slip into a depressed state of mind, particularly if you’re not taking the time to look after yourself properly.

It is widely acknowledged that if you can discipline yourself to do some form of regular exercise, you will generally feel better for it, but the links between a healthy body and a healthy mind run deeper than simply feeling a bit pleased with yourself for bothering to make the effort.

Last year, The Guardians said more than £3.3 billion was spent on antidepressant drugs in the UK alone and the number of prescriptions being handed out for these continues to rise year on year – in 2008, it hit a record high reaching one thirty-fifth of the entire NHS budget.

But antidepressants are not recommended for the initial treatment of mild depression and there is certainly evidence to suggest a link between physical activity and reduced clinically defined depression. Comparative studies have in fact demonstrated that exercise can be as effective as medication or psychotherapy in certain cases.

Rada Prajapati works as a physiotherapist with Welsh-based Ludlow Street Healthcare - a successful, pioneering and high quality provider of specialist Mental Health and Learning Disability Services which provides assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and education leading to recovery.

According to Rada, there are several reasons as to why exercise therapy may be used in the first line of treatment.

“To start with and most obviously, exercise lacks the negative side effects that can sometimes be brought on by antidepressants and it can also be prescribed to those who suffer physical as well as mental health problems”, says Rada.
“Even a brisk walk once a day is a good start and can provide patients with a sense of empowerment over their own recovery, as well as increased energy and a new sense of vitality.
“In fact, gentle aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and dancing for between 20 minutes to an hour up to 3 times a week tends to be the most effective form of physical treatment for mild to moderate depression.
“An organised and sustained exercise routine helps to improve overall mood and fitness and can have dramatic effects very quickly. Any form of regular exercise holds the promise of increased energy and renewed vitality.
“It helps to release natural chemicals that produce a real feel good factor and for those lacking in self esteem and with a poor self-image, can really give the boost they need to pick themselves up, to feel valued, and also to value themselves.

“Clients that I’ve spoken to have reported that after taking up regular exercise they sleep better, are less tense and that energy levels increase.

“Exercise and physical activity can provide something worthwhile to do with your time and also provides clear goals which contribute to a sense of purpose.

“And if you really can’t face organised activity to start with, remember that an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean a sporty one – gardening, housework or washing the car for example, all constitute ways to keep both body and mind active and are all free!

“As with everything, moderation is key and too much activity can have as negative an impact as too little but a sensible approach to a generally healthy lifestyle and a commitment to embracing exercise as a natural antidepressant can provide only good results.”