How to Fight Depression (Without the Pills)

Exercise is better than antidepressants.

● 1 in 10 Americans now takes antidepressant medication

But there are other ways to fight depression:
■ Regular exercise can improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression
■ Exercise can also help treat severe depression
Exercise vs Antidepressants Study:

■ 3 groups:
● Aerobic exercise
● Antidepressant medication
● Aerobic Exercise + Antidepressant medication

■ Results:
● After 16 weeks 65% of people in all 3 groups no longer had major depression
● Exercise and antidepressant results were essentially the same

■ Follow up:
● Exercise’s effects lasted longer than those of antidepressants.
How does exercise relieve depression?

Exercise enhances the action of endorphins

■ Endorphins improve natural immunity
■ Reduce the perception of pain.
■ They may also serve to improve mood
Another theory is that exercise stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine
■ This may…