Depression & Exercise

How can exercise help with depression and anxiety?

We all know that exercise is good for the body and helps reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, strokes and cancer but what is not as well known is that it can have a very positive affect on depressive and anxiety disorders.

One of the reasons for this may be that people with depression and anxiety feel that they are not in control of their lives. By putting a good exercise regime in it can put the person back in control of their life rather that the depression being in control of their life.

Exercise can help release the ‘feel good’ brain chemicals (endorphins and neuro transmitters) which may ease depression. It can also reduce some of the immune system chemicals that can worsen the depressive disorders.

Exercise can also assist with helping to gain confidence and feeling better, taking the mind off some worries which can distract and can help break the cycle of negative thoughts.

We are not talking about huge changes here or difficult exercise regimes, all we are talking about is dedicated time (e.g. 30 minute slots) of moderate exercise five times a week. Moderate exercise can be anything that increases your heart rate, your breathing rate and makes you sweat a little.

The whole ethos behind ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ encompasses this and should also help with meeting other people, talk about depression and anxiety in a more relaxed forum and give a better understanding of depression and anxiety.

We here at RocDoc fully endorse the ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ ethos and event. We will be providing free medical provision during the event should you require us.

To register click here