WITS

Evidence for the benefits of exercise in managing depression

Regular exercise can be an effective way to relieve some forms of depression and is often a neglected strategy for treatment of depression.

•  Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who do not exercise regularly.

•  Several trials have shown that regular exercise of moderate intensity can be an effective treatment by itself for mild to moderate depression.

•  Two trials have found that 16 weeks of regular exercise is equally effective as an SSRI antidepressant medication in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in older adults who have been inactive.

•  Research also suggests that exercise can further assist depression in individuals with depression who have responded only partially to an antidepressant medication.

•  Both aerobic exercise (e.g. brisk walking, cycling or jogging) and resistance or strength training (e.g. weight‐lifting) have been found to be beneficial for depression.

Taken from the Black Dog Institute website...

See the full article and more at;

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Then join in the walking group - see the calendar, and experience the benefits for yourself!