Fitness Exercise for Depression Patients

Fitness Exercise for Depression Patients

Depression is a disease, not a person's fault or character flaw. Through self-psychological regulation, psychotherapy, and appropriate antidepressant medication, most cases of depression can be treated and recovered. Depression is commonly characterized by persistent low mood, feeling down or hopeless for at least two weeks. It is a prevalent psychological disorder and has the highest suicide rate among psychiatric illnesses. Besides emotional low, slow thinking, and decreased volition, depression can also manifest with physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, abdominal bloating, palpitations, and bodily pain. It may even lead to self-harm. Apart from medication, safe, effective, and easily accessible exercise therapy is highly suitable. Exercise can help individuals relieve stress, relax their minds, alleviate depressive emotions, and increase energy levels. When choosing an exercise, it is essential to select activities that allow individuals to concentrate and divert their thoughts from troubling aspects of life, eliminating distractions.

(1) Objectives of Fitness Exercise for Depression Patients

Preventing and controlling depression is becoming increasingly important. Besides medical treatment, fitness exercise is the lowest-cost and most effective form of therapy. The objectives of fitness exercise are:

(1) To stimulate the release of dopamine through exercise, promoting a positive mood and gradually changing patients' cognition, reducing the focus on negative feelings, and mitigating depressive emotions.

(2) To accelerate the body's metabolism through exercise, facilitating recovery from fatigue and reducing feelings of tiredness.

(3) To discover that one's abilities are not lost, even to uncover other potentials, thereby regaining confidence.

(4) To prompt patients to contemplate what to do and how to do it, helping to regain control over their lives.

(5) To cultivate a habit of fitness exercise and improve body posture and physical functional capacity through exercise.

(2) Key Points to Consider in Fitness Exercise for Depression Patients

First, for depression patients who need psychological medication, gradual increments in exercise should occur under close medical supervision to ensure safety.

Second, proceed step by step. Especially for patients who have never had exercise habits, it is not advisable to take on a large amount of exercise all at once, as it may undermine morale or even lead to muscle injuries. Therefore, the initial focus should be on establishing exercise awareness and self-confidence.

Third, adopt fitness exercise projects and methods that patients enjoy and can accept. There are many exercise options, and choosing ones that patients like can help with adherence and prevent the emergence of negative emotions during exercise. It is beneficial to find a fitness buddy, such as jogging with a friend or colleague, playing table tennis together, etc. Through exercise, patients can increase opportunities for social interaction. This can shift their focus and encourage them to persist in their exercise routine.

Fourth, develop a habit of exercising the body. Apart from having a fitness exercise plan, engage in more physical activity in daily life, such as taking stairs instead of elevators, parking the car farther away and walking a longer distance, watching less television, etc. Household chores can also increase opportunities for daily activity.

(3) Selection of Fitness Exercise Projects for Depression Patients

The choice of fitness exercise projects for depression patients depends on their physical health. For physically healthy individuals, there are no special requirements for exercise selection, and currently, aerobic exercises are believed to have distinct advantages in treating patients. For patients with other chronic illnesses, exercise should be tailored according to the specific condition and type of illness.