Depression is a clinical term. Typically, for a person to be diagnosed with depression, they are likely to have experienced prolonged feelings of persistent sadness, unhappiness, worthlessness and hopelessness. The experience of depression varies from person to person and can be acute, prolonged, intense or mild. From a personal view, all dimensions of depression are equally valid. If possible, take a quick look on ‘Google Scholar’ or you can follow the link at the bottom of this blog to find out more about the clinical criteria set out within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Volume 5).

Regardless of an individual’s experience with depression, my aim is to focus on tools that help people understand their strengths and ability to change their body and mind. Currently, we have a massive amount of research showing that physical activity/exercise helps people recover from depression. This is nothing short of awesome and one of my key motivations to develop my career in wellbeing.

The biggest ‘take away’ from the research is, regardless of economic status, health, biological sex or level of social support, the positive effects exercise has on depression remain consistent across all groups. This is certainly not to say these obstacles don’t make it more difficult for some people, because at the end of the day, they do! Again, my key area of interest/passion is to help people navigate such barriers and reap the rewards by increasing physical activity/exercise if their lives. It’s also worth noting, some studies have shown that exercise can be just as effective at treating depression as talking therapies and psychotherapeutic drugs. Hey, you can’t get any more cost effective than that!

Matt Adey MSc, Dip PT, GMBPsS