Are You Depressed? Then Take A Walk

By Saurabh Pareek:

The world is growing, evolving and changing everyday and so are human beings. With increase in technology and facilities, we have seen an exponential growth in number of people suffering from various diseases. Diseases which are not old, born because of our routines, practices and habits. Depression-a one such disease which is growing very common these days. Wikipedia states depression as ‘Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being’. Even teenagers as young as 10 have been becoming an easy prey in the hands of depression and it would not be shocking if a doctor reports his 10 years old patient suffering from higher order of depression.

Medical science has developed anti-depressant pills and various other medications for the disease but we have not yet reached on a level to have a proper cure process. Researchers believe that depression is a state of mind that can be cured when we succeed in demolishing that state. But some researchers believe that physical activity has long been shown to help treat depression, but lighter physical activities like walking are still in red circles.

It is not the first time when researchers have talked about physical activities and workouts are effective in treating depression. Scientists from the University of Stirling conducted a review of studies on walking and depression, and found eight studies so far that suggest the important role walking may play in mental health. The eight studies looked at a total of 341 patients. Quoting the conclusion from there report “The report found that walking has a statistically significant, large effect on the symptoms of depression in some populations.” The researchers said that it’s still not clear exactly how much walking would be necessary to treat the common mental health problem, but added that “walking has the advantages of being easily undertaken by most people.”

Some researchers also believe that suggesting physical activity/walking to patients is like a trick of procrastination, a term in psychology. Which means they are deriving ways to replace their high priority routine to low priority one to relax and enjoy the time.

Since walking or any other physical activity does not come with any side effects, unlike most of the drugs used for medication, doctors suggest it to the patients. It is very important that doctors should come up with some easy ways to treat depression, since till now there is no cure to depression.

That’s why The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has advised children as well as elderly to go for regular walks. We also suggest you to perform exercise and regular walks to keep yourself fit and healthy and away from depression!

Image courtesy: http://www.triwest.com/en/beneficiary/beneficiary-articles/2012/02/why-walking-can-help-your-heart/