DEPRESSION: CAN EXERCISE BE LOOKED UPON AS A TREATMENT TO DEPRESSION?

DEPERSSION: Can Exercise Be Looked Upon As A Treatment To Depression?

Depression: Can Exercise Be Looked Upon As A Remedy To Depression?

 

Introduction

Depression effects over 340 million people across the globe and here in the United States it is estimated that about 16% percent of the population will suffer from a major depressive disorder (MDD) during the course of their lives, with women being almost twice as likely than their mile counterparts to develop a disorder. With all the emphasis with respect to health care on obesity associated illnesses it is often overlooked that despondency is on pathway to become the second biggest supplier to the international burden of disease by the year 2020. We know that physical inactivity increases the likelihood and duration of depression and that physical activity, whether it is work related, exercise or recreation significantly reduces the risk of developing a depressive disorder. This holds true across the board for people of all races and socio-economic levels, but for those adverse to conventional therapeutic interventions, the question remains, can exercise be as effective as conventional therapy and medication in relieving depression?

People feel low sometimes, usually due to a stressing or traumatic event in our lives. But ongoing despondency, a time span of suffering renowned as major despondency, is another matter. Depression is the most common psychological problem in the United States. Seventeen percent of Americans will bear from a foremost depressive episode in their lifetime (Davidson, 1998). With the ever-increasing cost of health care in the United States alternative and preventative treatment in dealing with psychological conditions should by explored as an alternative option.

Exercise, as a treatment appears to have value in reducing depression. Aerobic workout if presented at sufficient length and intensity has corelational connections to positive psychological effects. Although workout has been connected to positive consequences in psychological states, aerobic exercise is much more effective than anaerobic activity. Aerobics characterises as physical undertaking that increases pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. The body utilises and conveys oxygen to the employed muscles in alignment to maintain activity. Anaerobic undertaking is personal undertaking that is either of short length or of insufficient intensity to require conveying of oxygen to the working sinews (Weinburg, 1995). Acute consequences of workout are experienced even after only a lone bout of exercise. Elevation in feeling after one exercise session have been recorded any ...