treatment

It has been reported by the World Health Organisation that depression is the BIGGEST cause of disability worldwide right now with over 350 million people living with it. It is a serious problem. The definition of depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. The Mayo Clinic discusses in more detail what it is here. There are many treatments depending on the severity, but what I wanted to talk about was the consistent research supporting the efficacy of physical activity, both aerobic and strength training. In some studies it has been shown to be as effective if not more so than antidepressant medication. I guess I see it as a preventative strategy just as much as a treatment. As many others do, I have depression in the family. Fortunately for me, I have always exercised as a function of my upbringing and personal desire to be athletic. This was so I could perform better in my chosen sports of rugby league and then professional tennis. This habit that I got into has persisted now into my late 40’s and I suspect has been something which has kind of fortified me against depression. I cannot say I have suffered from it personally at any time so I can’t attest to it as a treatment for myself, but I have certainly seen it do it wonders for those around me including family members as a first line of defense. If in doubt you should really check out this fact sheet from the Black Dog […]