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Exercise to Counter Mild Depression

Today in BBC Health News something we all knew intuitively, but studies are showing it to be true – if you are depressed, exercise can help deal with the symptoms.

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Exercise aids depression, say GPs

Doctors are increasingly prescribing exercise for people with depression, mental health campaigners have found. In a survey of 200 English GPs, the Mental Health Foundation found 22% suggest exercise to help people with milder forms of the condition.

This compares with just 5% in a similar survey three years ago.

The foundation said it was important that doctors did not just prescribe antidepressants for patients, and looked for other options.

Tackling isolation

Research has shown that exercise can help people with mild forms of depression by improving self-esteem – through better body image or achieving goals, and by relieving feelings of isolation which can fuel their depression.

It also releases feel-good brain chemicals such as endorphins.

You can read the entire article HERE>

February 8, 2008 - Posted by | Bureaucracy, Community, Diet / Weight Loss, Exercise, Health Issues, Living Conditions, Relationships, Social Issues, Spiritual

5 Comments »

  1. It’s good some are giving alternatives to popping pills, but still not enough.. I hope this trend continues. Good post.

    99ppp's avatar Comment by 99ppp | February 8, 2008 | Reply

  2. Yeah true but I need someone to push me into actually DOING it!! looooool

    ::: ShoSho :::'s avatar Comment by ::: ShoSho ::: | February 8, 2008 | Reply

  3. An invitation to an Intlxpatr Cajun dinner could alleviate symptoms as well.

    amer's avatar Comment by amer | February 8, 2008 | Reply

  4. I am a member in a gym but I don’t go. I should try harder to stick to an exercise routine.

    Big Pearls's avatar Comment by Big Pearls | February 8, 2008 | Reply

  5. 99ppp – I know walking works for me – IF I get out and do it. And I also know that some depression is chemical, and needs those pills, just as diabetes needs insulin.

    ShoSho – You and me both! It’s so much more fun with an exercise partner.

    Amer – LLLOOOLLLL – it’s the good eating that is packing on the pounds!

    Big Pearls – My sister is Big Diamond – maybe we are related? šŸ˜‰ I tried to comment on your blog (Tunisia, Miami, Prague, Munich, Tuscany, Kuwait City (!), Namibia, San Francisco, Kilimanjaro, Essaouira, New York) and it wouldn’t let me. Welcome to the blogging world – you are off to a great start!

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | February 9, 2008 | Reply


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