The U.K. Mental Health Foundation has released a report called "Up and Running" which claims that exercise may prove to be a more effective treatment for depression than medication, and that doctors should be offering every depressed patient a program of exercise to help overcome their symptoms
The report by the British charity marks the start of a year-long campaign calling for more exercise therapy for people with mild or moderate depression and comes amid growing concern about the side-effects and over-prescribing of antidepressants in the UK.
Exercise actually acts as a preventive medicine against anxiety and depression, and a strong immune system makes the mind better able to cope with life's stresses and strains.
According to Dr Andrew McCulloch, MHF chief executive, "Exercise, whether it be a walk in the park, dance class or game of badminton, can make you feel good. People need to start keeping themselves in good mental shape and exercise helps to both prevent and treat depression and anxiety."
Dr. McCulloch says many patients with mild or moderate depression who ask their GPs for help are currently being denied an effective treatment option - exercise referral, and though there are some obstacles standing in the way of exercise on prescription, they're not insurmountable. McCulloch says that society needs to be educated about the benefits of exercise in treating mild or moderate depression, and GPs need to be made aware that exercise referral is available.
