The Role of Exercise in Combatting Depression

HARSHIL JOSHI – As winter rolls in with cold, dreary days, the temptation for many may be to stay inside, snuggle up with a blanket, and read a book. This ideal picture of the winter, however, leaves out a darker side: many people struggle with depression. Whether it be work, family, the weather, or a culmination of the three, the holidays can be stressful, and many people can enter depressive episodes, unbeknownst to their friends. About 5% of US adults experience seasonal depression each year, but thankfully, there is an outlet that can help this growing problem: exercise. 

From personal experience, working out has always served as my outlet to alleviate frustrations with class, extracurriculars, or any general stress. While this activity is not actively combatting depression for me, it may be preventing this disease from taking root in the first place. The weather may be dismal and I may be tired, but my decision to consistently reserve time for the gym has created a better mental space that has positively impacted other aspects of my life, including my sociability and academics. 

While it may seem cliche, daily exercise could be the key to staving off these negative emotions. Studies have shown that participants who have been diagnosed with clinical depression have had marked gains in their mental state by participating in regular exercise. Even after 12 weeks of the training regimen, adults who were fighting depression still saw positive and impactful effects from their participation. A person who is depressed undoubtedly requires the help of friends and family, but beating this condition also requires a personal agency to actively fight these feelings. One of the biggest lies depressed people can tell themselves is that they are failures and worthless. Exercising directly combats this lie by giving the person direct control of what they can do and what they can accomplish. 

This victory may seem small, but it’s these small victories that culminate into helping people work through their tough times. There is not an immediate fix or cure to alleviate all of the detriments of this invisible disease. The condition takes time to set in, and it takes time to leave. People will take time to completely recover, and that is okay. But hopefully, they can take the right steps, like incorporating exercise, creating a healthy lifestyle, and getting the support they need to eventually feel better.

Photography Source – https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20190807/lower-cardiorespiratory-fitness-linked-to-greater-risk-for-depression-anxiety