Feb 232008
The number of UK doctors prescribing exercise for treating depression symptoms has risen by 17% in just 3 years. The survey reported by the BBC showed that the benefits of exercise included the releasing of natural endorphins, less social isolation and better body image.
I wonder how long until doctors start prescribing longer break times for children again?
Oh Tessy I love this picture.
Here we are with a virtual pandemic of depression (one study: “In the decade between 1991-1992 and 2001-2002, the prevalence of major depression among US adults rose from 3.33% to 7.06%”) — yet our societies seem to ignore such blindingly obvious responses such as rest, exercise, friendship, meaningful work, healthy foods, healthy environment…
(not to say that clinical depression can be treated just through these – but I suspect most people who feel depressed could be)
Thanks Josh – I loved the picture too! It wouldn’t help the most severe depression as you say but I think if we are vigilant we can actually prevent dipping into the lower register of depression symptoms by keeping an eye on all those things you have mentioned.
When I am having a particularly difficult time now I up the sleep and exercise as a sort of booster so that I can cope with the stresses better. It doesn’t solve the problems but it does increase our abilities to manage situations.
I always bear in mind on the 6 Seconds SEI report it says something like “you are managing well most of the time, when you are not under pressure or stressed” and this highlights the fact that our emotional intelligence competencies can get eroded by lack of sleep etc…