The relationship between exercise and depression

Movement is medicine.  I know you have heard this many times, but another reminder as we observe National Mental Health Awareness Month this May.

It's always a difficult start of the month for me, as my brother died by suicide on May 4th. I'm not going to lie; after 39 years, the memories still flood back, but I can manage them in a positive way. I know for sure that movement healed me. Walking and biking gave me time to move my body, think, pray, scream, cry, and do so many more things.

I was listening to the Mel Robbins podcast this week, and her guest was Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist, researcher, and author of a book called “Superagers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity"

Dr. Topol explained that exercise is the only thing we know that lowers our biological age and decreases inflammation. Research has shown that as little as 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day can improve longevity, such as walking, biking, or using an elliptical. The data is striking, highlighting the importance of resistance training, including weights, bands, and balance exercises, a few times a week.  (I would suggest every day for balance)

Dr. Topol talked about the relationship between exercise and depression.

“This report rocked me because, you know, the number of people who are taking anti-depressant drugs, these SSRIs, it's huge. And so, they compared this in a large cohort with various activities, including dancing, yoga, rowing, walking, and others. Exercise was significantly better for improving mental health than were the medications. Who would have guessed that? Because we've been relying on so many people to take them all these years.”

I'm not suggesting getting off of meds, but the research states that exercise is vital to our mental health. This research reinforces the importance of movement, even when we feel unmotivated and want to lie on the couch or hide in a dark room.

This month, when you talk with friends and family and they mention not feeling well, remind them of the importance of movement in their lives. A reminder that 30 minutes is not a long time to dedicate to your mental health and overall well-being.

“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” Edward Stanley, The 15th Earl of Derby