Can yoga, aerobics, walking, running really help with depression?

Exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do when a depressive wave comes, however, a recent study suggests that it might be essential for recovery.

According to a study released on Wednesday in the BMJ, many forms of exercise, such as walking, running, yoga, tai chi, aerobic activities, and strength training have shown advantages over therapy when it came to treating depression.

“Depression (affects) somewhere between (10%) and 25% of people. It hurts wellbeing more than debt, divorce, or diabetes,” said lead study author Dr Michael Noetel, senior lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland in Australia, via email.

“Still, only half of those with depression get any treatment.”

More than 14,000 participants in 218 trials on exercise and depression were included in the data analysis, according to CNN.

The whole-body advantages of exercise combined with evidence that suggests it helps with depression make it a potent therapeutic choice, according to Noetel, even though there was a danger of bias in the trials.

According to Dr Adam Chekroud, assistant professor adjunct of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and cofounder of Spring Health, a mental health services provider, the results are consistent with the findings of numerous other research regarding the positive effects of exercise. This study did not involve him.

In a 2018 study including over 1.2 million Americans, Chekroud found that individuals who exercised had improved mental and general well-being.

"Both studies should give people confidence that exercise is a good approach to treating depression along with other options, including therapy and medication," Chekroud said.

“None of these treatments are silver bullets. But, given how debilitating it is to have depression, almost all patients should be offered both exercise and therapy,” Noetel said.