You’ve probably heard it many times that exercise is a great way to help depression symptoms. However, do you really know how exercise makes you feel better? Did you know that exercise could have similar effects as antidepressants do? That means, for some people, with mild depression, exercise may be enough to get them to start feeling better and stop taking their antidepressants!
Altering Neurotransmitters Naturally
Many people who suffer from depression have a brain chemical imbalance. The chemicals associated with depression are serotonin and norepinephrine. When depression sufferers take antidepressants, it corrects the imbalance and helps them feel better.
However, there is another way to correct the imbalance in some people with mild depression – exercise! Yes, exercise produces chemicals in your body that naturally affect the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, just like antidepressants.
Not only does the power of exercise change your brain chemicals, it also produces beta-endorphins that give you a mood boost as well. Besides the physiological changes that help beat depression, exercising can help you lose weight as well, which will raise your mood if you struggle with weight loss. It also helps with skin clarity and helps fight illness. With all the benefits of exercise, it’s a combo package in helping your mental health!
WARNING: Don’t Stop Your Antidepressants without Doctor’s Guidance
Just because you exercise doesn’t mean that you don’t need antidepressants. For some people, their depression is severe enough that exercise alone will not help. It’s important to discuss any changes to your medication with your doctor so you don’t risk suffering from depression rebound.
Photo: mikebaird
Sun, Mar 21, 2010
Mental Health