Physical Activity & Depression: Sources of Evidence - Essay Example

Physical Activity & Depression: Sources of Evidence Introduction Depression is a major health problem in the society and is associated with a number of health related illnesses. Due to its prevalence, researchers have conducted intensive studies that have been aimed at having a better understanding of the disorder. Medical practitioners on the other hand, have advised their patients to use various methods among them medical, physical and psychological in dealing with the disorder. Of all the methods recommended to patients, physical activity is the most widely used due to its positive effects on the patient. It has become apparent with time that there is a direct correlation between physical activity and depression. This paper will demonstrate the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of depression. Physical activity and depression To understand the relationship between physical activity and depression, it is important to determine what physical activity is. Contrary to what most people believe, physical activity does not only involve intensive exercise such as jogging for miles; instead, a walk around the shopping mall would suffice. However, this depends on individuals, since depressed people have less energy and thus less motivated to perform any exercise (Biddle & Mutrie 2008). Various forms of exercise, ranging from moderate to intense, are recommended in the treatment of depression. Among the moderate forms of exercise suggested include, slow dancing, biking, moderate swimming, jogging, playing tennis and walking while playing golf instead of using a cart. At the same time, depressed people may also engage in more demanding exercises such as mountain climbing, playing football, running as well as weight lifting. In all the cases, medical doctors advise patients to join a social group as emotional comfort goes in hand with physical activity in the treatment of depression (Chakraburtty 2010). Depression on the other hand is a prevalent psychiatric problem; characterized by symptoms such as lowered mood, fatigue, inability to experience pleasure, a sense of worthlessness and preoccupation with death and suicidal thoughts. This is because most of the depressed people keep to themselves, which creates the impression of being deserted. Intensive isolation increases the chances of developing severe depression, which may take a longer time to treat (Ninemsn 2004). Although there are many forms of depression, only clinical and non-clinical forms of depression have a clear line of distinction. Clinical depression is a situation whereby patients seek help due to their symptoms, which have been diagnosed using standard medical instruments. At times, depression may be caused by other medical conditions such as drug addiction, chronic pain as well as terminal diseases such as HIV/Aids. It thus becomes important to identify patients with such illnesses and recommend the appropriate mode of treatment, in order to reduce their likelihood of lapsing into depression (Biddle & Mutrie 2008). The relationship between physical activity and depression Researchers have conducted numerous empirical studies to determine the relationship between physical activity and depression. In a study conducted on more than 40,000 Norwegian residents, the findings revealed that those who exercised on a regular basis were less likely to have symptoms of depression. The amount of time taken to perform physical activity inversely affected the degree of depression among the participants. The researchers also found out that social benefits associated with physical activities such as interaction with friends, assisted in the reduction of stress. This is because the patients had people to share their thoughts with, thus increasing their sense of acceptance. Surprisingly, there was no evidence linking biological changes associated with exercise, to the association between physical activity and depression (Brauser 2010). When patients accept their condition and start exercising, they increase their self-esteem. In the process, their body releases endorphins, a chemical that interacts with brain receptors, reversing their perceptions. Additionally, the chemical induces positive feelings lowering the level of depression. Endorphins reduce the perception of pain, which allows the patients to exercise more or for a longer period. They also act as sedatives when released to the neurotransmitters in the brain, acting similar to morphine. Based on this relationship, physical exercise directly reduces the level of depression (Chakraburtty 2010). Human bodies normally function in different ways depending on the prevailing circumstances. In most cases, people’s mental conditions determine how their bodies react. The body language of people who are not depressed is more relaxed and expansive, and such people are able to accommodate others. Conversely, depressed people tend to be tense, having fearful thoughts, thus they are not able to interact freely with others. To ease their tension, it is advisable that such people engage in physical activities. Such activities make them feel more relaxed hence they are able to associate with the rest at ease (Hale & Taylor 2008). The role of exercise in promoting psychological well being can clearly be indicated by analyzing the role of physical activity. Specifically, exercise acts as therapy for the treatment of mental disorders particularly depression. In addition, physical activity acts as a means of improving the quality of life for the patients as well as preventing the inception of further problems. Most of the medical practitioners recommend exercise for a number of reasons. First, physical activity is a cheap method of treatment as everyone can perform the basics exercises such as jogging or walking. Another benefit of this method is that there are negligible side effects associated with it (Biddle, Fox & Boutcher 2002). Thirdly, the practice is self-sustaining as one need not visit a medical center every time they are depressed. Once the doctor sensitizes a patient on the importance of exercise in eliminating depression, such a patient will engage in physical activity when depression sets in. However, it is important to note that this only applies to patients who have learned to manage their condition effectively. Lastly, it is possible to engage in physical activity over a long period, unlike other psychiatric treatment options that have a fixed duration. This is of great importance especially to financially unstable patients (Biddle, Fox & Boutcher 2002). Challenges facing the incorporation of physical activity in the treatment of depression There are various barriers facing medical professionals as far as depression and physical activity are concerned. One of the greatest barriers is dualistic tendencies, in which people believe that the mind and body are two separate entities. With this perception, some medical practitioners and patients do not see the relationship between physical activity and their mental wellbeing. The other barrier affecting the relationship between physical activity and depression is the nature of exercise itself. Most people believe that only sophisticated medical procedures can treat certain illnesses such as depression. It therefore becomes hard to convince them that something as simple as exercise has comparable treatment effects. There is need to address such barriers while recommending physical activity as a treatment option for depression (Biddle, Fox & Boutcher 2002). People perceive physical activity in different ways. While some people may appreciate its therapeutic benefits, others may regard it as a form of punishment. It is often painful when people start to exercise and this may compel some to abandon the practice, which increases their depression levels (Biddle, Fox & Boutcher 2002). However, there are various suggestions for starters as well as those who would like to continue with their exercise. To start with, patients should come up with a routine that is convenient to them. Proper planning ensures that the patient is in a position to undertake all the activities of the day without postponing some. Secondly, it is important for the patients to choose those physical activities they enjoy most. Exercising needs to be fun as this also ensures psychological satisfaction. Patients should also be encouraged to adopt cost effective exercise that will not interfere with their finances. Purchasing expensive equipment or health club memberships may leave the patients more depressed thus eliminating the benefits of the exercise. Lastly, patients should stick to their schedule, making exercise a lifestyle (Chakraburtty 2010). Disadvantage of implementing physical activity Although exercises are highly recommended for the treatment of depression, a few setbacks might occur in the process on implementation. Most of these occur during the adoption phase or later during the maintenance phase. During the adoption phase, the patient is usually not used to the practice and may find it hard to associate with the rest or follow their schedule. Likewise, it is usually strenuous for the beginners, which eventually causes pain in the muscles and this may discourage the patients. During the implementation phase, the patient may overdo the exercise, which may lead to injuries as well as neglect of other important duties. However, doctors recommend that patients follow the instructions of both their psychiatrists and trainers in order to accommodate the change (Biddle & Mutrie 2008). Conclusion Over the last few years, physical activity has increasingly gained acceptance as method of treating depression. The rationale behind this is that it positively affects the minds and bodies of people. This has a direct impact on their self-esteem, which diverts the perceptions of the patients, giving them hope and purpose to live. Biologically, physical activity enables the body to release endorphins, which interact with neurotransmitters from the brain thus producing, a feeling of self-satisfaction. At the same time, the social interaction that comes from exercise enables depressed patients to overcome their feeling of isolation, thus improving their condition. Nevertheless, it is important to note that though exercise is important, it should not be regarded as the only way to treat depression. All things considered however, physical activity has immense benefits for depression patients. References Biddle, S., & Mutrie, N 2008, Psychology of physical activity: determinants, well-being, and interventions, Routledge, London. Biddle, S., Fox, K., & Boutcher, S 2002, Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being, Routledge, London. Brauser, D. 2010, Regular Physical Activity Significantly Reduces Depression Risk. Available from: . [29 September 2011]. Chakraburtty, A. 2010, Exercise and Depression. Available from: . [29 September 2011]. Hale, C., & Taylor, A. 2008, Physical Activity and Depression. Available from: . [29 September 2011]. Ninemsn Pty Ltd. 2004, Physical activity management for depression. Available from: . [29 September 2011]. Read More