Blog post from our board member Dr. Robert Bacci: Physical activity for depression, courtesy of Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy
EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Our modern world can be a stressful one. For many people, dealing with more than two years of fear, anxiety, and debate revolving around the coronavirus pandemic has had a harsh impact effect on the state of one’s mental health.
As a result, rates of depression, which were already high even before the pandemic, have been steadily increasing over the past two years, with no signs of slowing down. Major depressive disorder affects about 15 million American adults (or 6% of the adult population), and some research has suggested that the prevalence of depression symptoms has more than tripled during the pandemic. Depression is also the leading cause of mental health-related disease burden and is associated with a host of negative health effects, including an increased risk for chronic conditions and premature death.
EXERCISE: AN OFTEN OVERLOOKED TREATMENT OPTION
Effectively treating and preventing depression often requires a multifaceted approach, and most health experts recommend talk therapy as a central intervention for those suffering from depression symptoms. But another strategy that’s being increasingly recognized as a powerful and vital tool against depression is regular physical activity. Read more…