Recently I have noticed that the use of medications for depression is becoming a means of solving every single emotional issue. I personally know four people who take some form of medication for their "problem". Now I am in no way saying that medicine doesn't work, and that it shouldn't be prescribed to those who are suffering. However, I do think that it should be considered an emergency solution, or a last resort method. I think that doctors hand out medication like it is candy. I know for a fact that some of the people on it do not need to be, and it is an easy fix. The medicine doesn't make them happy, it makes them feel nothing. That can't be good for you. I believe that with a healthy lifestyle (one that include taking care of every aspect of health- mental, physical and emotional) can be the cure for anything. If exercise can prevent diseases such as diabetes, I am positive it could help with depression. Especially those with seasonal depression.
I've been in the doldrums before, and I know that life is hard, especially in college. But for me, exercise is what helps me get back to normal again. There are so many options. Running helps me release tension and anxiety. Yoga helps me to meditate and reorganize myself mentally. Lifting gives me a sense of accomplishment. And there are plenty other examples. I think just taking a walk somewhere pretty, like Moraine State Park, is enough to get me back to loving life again.
I guess my main point would be this- Medication is an obviously important part of our life for illnesses but I also believe in holistic approaches to health. I believe that if people just took the time to take care of themselves they would be able to save their lives. Whether it be depression, or the onset of diabetes due to obesity... exercise can help them all.
Jess, I just did a report on exercise and depression for Fitness Education. I agree with you on medication as a last resort. There are so many other things that can aid in the treatment of depression. I have personally known people with depression and exercise has decreased. A lot of the studies showed that exercise decreased relapse rates and had the same effects of medications, exercise just took a little longer to kick in and show some results. I also had an intramural volleyball game last night and I found myself in the same position... "Oh I don't want to go...I have so much to do." It was probably the best thing i could of done. I was so stressed yesterday I actually cried ha.. I was in a good mood after and was ready to finish off some assignments. Good post. :)
ReplyDeleteJess i agree with this completely. I make sure i find time in my day to go to the gym everyday whether it may be because of stress or not because i feel like if i don't go i become stressed. The gym has alwyas been my answer to stress or even being mad at somebody. Fall semester was probably the worst semester of my life and you can ask any one of my friends i was there like 2-3 times jsut to blow off the steam. I didn't need any medication it's just stress but stress can lead to bad things so i definitely think that people need to become mroe aware about that.
ReplyDeleteI like your post. Our society is really into finding the the quick fix. Only problem with this is that it also created a society of waiting until there is a problem instead of trying to prevent them. I wish more people realized the benefits of exercise for more than just physical health.
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