[alimw]

You might do all this stuff---exercise, socialise, work---and not begin to approach the root of the problem. I'm suspicious of the article's conclusion for the same reason. Exercise might distract, and might postpone the onset of total dysfunction, but that's not necessarily a good thing. I have worked with a teacher who was great at continuing to look like she was coping, but meanwhile caused more damage than if she'd stayed in bed.

[speedplane]

Couldn't agree more. On the lighter end of the spectrum, when I'm feeling down, I often go for a run and it does make me feel better for a good 12 hours afterwards. But if the conflict isn't resolved, any anxiety comes right back.

At the other end of the spectrum, when people are truly depressed, you can't get them out of bed, let alone for a run. Also, one person I know with depression says their it starts in their head but manifests itself physically, making it painful to do physical activity.