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by TillE 775 days ago
Exercise (and sunlight!) are proven treatments for mild to moderate depression. It's probably not all you need, but it's a very good start.

Exercise does nothing for severe depression.

2 comments

My depression is severe and exercise does make a difference. I’m not sure why you’d think that.

It doesn’t make the bad thoughts go away. It doesn’t turn off the bad feelings. I’d still be diagnosed with severe depression if I went in with a fresh slate. What it does is give me the energy to endure it, though. The physiological symptoms subside quite a bit, and it makes a meaningful difference.

It also helps more than medication since I seem to be a non-responder. It’s a big help in my life.

Agreed, but mild to moderate depression is the majority of people with mental health issues - that's where we should start. Also , I suspect it will also help a lot in severe depression but its hard to get someone with severe depression to exercise - in that case meds should be the way to go.