Physical activity in the treatment of depression

In the following article, we will talk about the most prominent types of physical activity in treating depression, and the relationship that may link both:

Physical activity in the treatment of depression

Patients with chronic diseases suffer, in addition to the symptoms of their illness, from the impact of the disease on their psychological state and sometimes from depression.

Where there are many examples of physical activity in treating depression, fatigue, and tension in patients with chronic diseases, such as:  cancer , heart disease, fibromyalgia , chronic pain, and excess obesity .

Not all patients who suffer from these diseases can exercise, but those who can do so, this is desirable and of great benefit.

How physical activity works in treating depression

When exercising, chemicals called endorphins are secreted from the brain, and these substances are present in the brain permanently, but they need physical effort in order to be secreted, and the types of physical effort that the brain needs to secrete endorphins are diverse, and they may be:

1. specific sport.
2. having sex.
3. joy.
4. laughter.
5. body massage
6. sleep.

In addition to this physical effort, chocolate may also have a role in the secretion of endorphins, which is why people love it. When endorphins are released from the brain, they control the psychological state and help fight anxiety, depression , fear, pain and lead to a feeling of pleasure.

It is worth knowing that most psychiatrists in the world advise patients and people suffering from depression and anxiety to exercise regularly, as this is not a magic medicine of course, and it cannot replace medicine every time, but some of them, even if they do not succeed in replacing medicine, exercise is a complementary medicine. Effective for many patients.

The effect of physical activity in treating depressed patients

The symptoms of depression in patients with chronic diseases may decrease as a result of exercise, and it may also help in reducing the level of fatigue, anxiety, pain, and other psychological conditions, as it was concluded that 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of exercise Intensive is the recommended period to fight depression and improve mood.

However, it must be noted that not all patients with chronic diseases are allowed or able to exercise, and it is also important to remember that the release of endorphins in the brain after exercise is only temporary and disappears after a few hours, in addition to that the quality of exercise has not been examined The best of all known types, such as: aerobics, jogging, walking, swimming, strength training or weight lifting.

The effect of exercise on mental health is undoubtedly a positive effect, and many people who have been exercising regularly for several years can confirm this, whether they suffer from illness or not, as exercise may help lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Which leads to boosting self-confidence and reducing depression.

However, for people who do not suffer from obesity but from another disease or do not suffer from any disease at all, exercise can help them maintain the health of the heart and lungs and feel happier. In addition to physical activity, it is recommended to maintain healthy nutrition and practice favorite hobbies, such as:

1. Meet up with friends.
2. reading.
3. Hiking.
4. Listening to music.

It is advised to do these activities every day, especially when feeling sad and resentful. In cases where you do not succeed in getting rid of the feeling of sadness and this feeling dominates you, it is advised to go to receive medical advice to examine the possibility of starting medication treatment .