“Feelings and emotions are essential parts of the womanly existence; they represent our evaluation of the events in our lives. In a very real sense, feelings and emotions are what human life is all about” (Carlson, 2007).

Depression is a medical condition, formally termed major depressive disorder (MDD), in which both the mind and body are affected. A proper and valuable treatment can curb the symptoms associated with depression and enhance the quality of life. This monograph will reveal the health benefits of exercise and provide scientific evidence in support of exercise as an effective prescription in treating MDD.

Physicians play a vital role in advising and encouraging their patients to exercise. “Long term adherence to an exercise program can be very good if the physician addresses exercise and physical activity along with other issues, such as medication adherence during routine outpatient visits” (Fletcher and Trejo, 2005).

Exercise in many, decreases stress levels, increases self-esteem levels but additionally, can decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, reduce insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, and increase and maintain weight loss (which for women is an additional motivator in itself).  Simply put ladies, physical activity boosts the immune system and helps prevent chronic disease.

To no surprise however, our nation is consistently on the rise regarding unhealthy lifestyles. Only 31% of adults engaged in regular leisure time physical activity, where 39.5% engaged in no leisure time physical activity at all. Though progress has been made in improving life expectancy in this country, some trends have been moving in the wrong direction. “Of concern for all Americans is the high prevalence of people with unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors, such as insufficient exercise and overweight, which are risk factors for many mental and chronic diseases” (cdc).

Saddness is a precise definition with respect to major depressive disorder (MDD). A loss of interest in an individual’s usual proceedings is a cue that depression is the culprit. Depression is a very disabling condition, usually affecting one’s family, work, appetite, disruption of sleep cycles and the overall health of the individual. Depression is the most common mental disorder. Fortunately, however, depression is one of the most treatable disorders.

Many women suffering from major depressive disorder are treated with a generic antidepressant, psychotherapy, or in some cases electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Though these treatments may be successful and beneficial, they are in fact costly.

Exercise is just as productive in treating depression, but also economical. Accordingly, exercise is a cost effective prescription that serves advantageous incessantly.  In adjudging the economics of mental health, treatment has often been considered the “stepchild of the medical care system”. A recent report estimated mental health services and substance abuse treatment (MHSA) expenditures from 1986 to 2003. Combined, these services accounted for 7.5%, or $121 billion, of the national health disbursement (Health, 2007).

Exercise is important in regulating a healthy lifestyle, the question remains however,  can initial exercise prevent mental illness? A recent study reports that acute exercise increases brain serotonin. The “runners high”, which many athletes experience, is produced by beta-enorphines. So grab your girlfriends ladies, and take a brisk walk, hit the multiple trails Colorado has to offer, or go on a leisurely bike ride and prevent such a case of depression.

Exercise appears to be prominent due to the fact that in addition to psychological effects, physiological effects are just as distinct. Psychologically, exercise enhances the sense of mastery, which is important for both healthy and depressed individuals who feel a loss of control over their lives. Additionally, the improvement of physique, flexibility and overall health may simply enhance mood. Also, large muscle activity may help discharge feelings of pent-up frustration, anger and hostility.

Depression is linked to cognitive behavior, and in order to change and enter remission, patients need to assess their level of involvement. Exercise as an effective treatment will serve as a behavioral reinforcer. The reinforcement in this case will not only be psychological improvements, but physiological as well, including the cardiovascular, immune, and respiratory systems.

Bethany Zirschky
Denver Women’s Fitness Examiner