Traumatic events, such as a car accident or an impaired driving charge and the outcomes, can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to depression.
But, is turning to therapy and medication the most effective solution for fighting depression? You should always speak with your health care practitioner about these concerns, but studies are beginning to show that you can fight depression at home with a change in your activity level.
It's true! Physical activity can have a profound impact on your ability to overcome what ails you.
When dealing with trauma, several factors contribute to its effects on mental well-being. These include alterations in brain chemistry, feelings of emotional overload and hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, negative beliefs, intrusive memories, physical health impacts, neurobiological changes, and the possibility of delayed-onset depression.
Recognizing these dynamics is essential for understanding trauma’s long-term consequences and seeking appropriate support. Try these fitness strategies to fight depression with exercise:
1. Experience the runner's high. Following a good workout, your body will experience what is known as a runner's high, which results from an endorphin surge in your body. The temporary mood lift that this endorphin surge provides can be beneficial in reducing depression on a short-term basis.
2. Get a temporary pick-me-up. Go for a short walk, hop on a treadmill or elliptical, or ride your bicycle. Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi are all strength training workouts that can provide you with a boost of endorphins to pick up your mood.
3. Improve your overall well-being. Strength training is a great way to improve your health and well-being, which can reduce symptoms of depression. Lifting dumbbells, for example, can build long, lean muscle, which improves metabolism and builds a stronger and healthier body.
4. Exercise daily. Exercise at least 30 minutes each day, six days per week. According to the Journal of Preventive Medicine, several weeks after you establish this regular exercise routine, you'll begin to feel relief of your depression symptoms on a much more consistent basis.
Here are the outcomes to expect from daily exercise:
· Stress Reduction: Engaging in exercise helps regulate cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
· Improved Mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural mood enhancers, enhancing overall emotional well-being.
· Empowerment and Control: Provides a sense of control over your body and mind, which is crucial for trauma survivors.
· Quality Sleep: Adequate rest is essential for mental and physical recovery after trauma.
Remember that exercise doesn’t have to be intense or structured, and professional support also empowers healing. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as well as medication can aid in recovery; speak to your physician.
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