Millions of Americans suffer from clinical depression each year. Most depressed patients first seek treatment from their primary care providers. Generally, depressed patients treated in primary care settings receive pharmacologic therapy alone. There is evidence to suggest that the addition of cognitive-behavioral therapies, specifically exercise, can improve treatment outcomes for many patients. Exercise is a behavioral intervention that has shown great promise in alleviating symptoms of depression. Some researchers believe that the rise in the core body temperature following the workout is what does it. Some believe that the release of endorphins. What ever the reason it is clearly worth the effort.
For years I have struggled with depression. Relationships, family, school, weight all contributed to my self-doubt and depressed state of mind. I think the key is finding balance. I try to find a way to manage my daily life but there are days. I really hope that now that I am taking sometime for myself and working out that there will be less of the bad days and more good.
