TITLE

CAN EXERCISE PREVENT DEPRESSION:  HERE’S WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS

DESCRIPTION

Research has definitively shown that certain types of physical activity can make a difference in the reduction of depression symptoms.  “Ask anyone who’s ever felt better after a workout, and they’ll tell you that exercise and mental health are related. Science backs up that gut feeling. Many studies have found that physical activity is linked to a lower risk of developing depression, and better outcomes for people who have it.”  Research has found that vigorous exercise increases blood flow to the brain, releases important chemicals such as endorphins, and that breath work (mindfulness) is also helpful to the reduction of the depressive symptoms.  Additionally exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy is extremely beneficial to preventing depression.

SOURCE

Time, January 25, 2019, by Jamie Ducharme

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://time.com/5511322/exercise-depression-mental-health/

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/yblp5rau

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What are the symptoms of depression?

•What are the known types of therapies to help reduce or prevent depression?  (medications, cognitive behavioral therapy CBT)

•What are the findings of the relationship of exercise and depression?

•What is the evidence that demonstrates how exercise reduces depressive symptoms?