Feb 06th, 2023
Depression and anxiety are a huge and growing problem, especially among young people in our country. We are poorly designed to be constantly bombarded with the huge number electronic devices and connections. Some experts are saying that over 20% of the people in the United States are experiencing depression and anxiety to the extent that they could benefit from some type of therapeutic intervention. Pre teens and teenagers find it very hard to individuate themselves from these devices and the constant barrage of data they generate.
There is mounting evidence that exercise is very effective in combatting depression and anxiety. Not only is it helpful in remediating depression and anxiety, it can also serve as a preventative for these issues. It isn’t hard for most people to see that exercise helps with their moods. What most people don’t know is why it works. Exercise is a very effective add on, natural therapy for medications and counseling.
Exercise on a sustained basis for 20-30 minutes, five days a week, boosts the production of key neurotransmitters in the brain. In particular, exercise increases the availability of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters that are involved in people having a more positive mood.
In addition, exercise increases Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is now the main discussion point of pharmaceutical companies that are working on developing the newer antidepressant medications. BDNF is seen as so critical to brain function that it has been described as “gas for the brain’s engine”. It is a significant factor in helping brain cells grow and multiply as well as helping manage stress and helping the person function at their highest levels in a variety of situations.
It would seem that most people could understand this and willingly exercise on a regular basis, but they don’t. It is especially hard for those amid depression and anxiety to begin exercising. Most people can benefit from someone who can act as their coach to push them into exercise as well as holding them accountable for developing exercise as a lifelong habit. Life Coaches help the person to focus on the present day, staying grounded in the here and now, and achieving a goal of 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. An activity that is readily available, like walking, is perfect for this.
Exercise is a major strategy that can give a person the ammunition they need to manage their anxiety and depression.
Stephen L. Watson, Ph.D., November 3, 2022
