By Huseina Abbas

EXERCISE AS AN EFFECTIVE PREVENTATIVE AND TREATMENT

METHOD OF DEPRESSION

“44% of American college students report having symptoms of depression and 75% of those students are not being treated for their illness” (Kerr, 2012)

INTRODUCTION

Source: FamilyAnatomy Source: AllAboutDepression

• One of the most common mental disorders in the U.S.

• Affects how a person thinks, behaves, feels, and functions ~Lasts for more than two weeks, interferes with daily activities

• Affects the quality of life~Mental and physical

problems ~High risk behaviors ~Affects happiness in adulthood

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? WHAT ARE ITS

CONSEQUENCES?

Source: ACT counseling

• “1 out of 4 college students suffer from some form of mental illness including depression” (Kerr, 2012)

• Why are college students at risk?

~ Multitude of pressures and challenges ~ Unhealthy lifestyles

• Reason to be concerned? ~ Causes students to dropout ~ Largest risk for suicide

EPIDEMIC AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Source: Make My Assignments

“There is clear evidence that physical activity alone can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression to the same extent as standard treatments (psychotherapy and antidepressant medication)” (Andersson, et. al, 2015)

EXERCISE REDUCES RISK & IS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR

DEPRESSION

Source: Health MagSource: Best Counseling Degrees

• Exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, increases energy levels, serves as a distraction from negative thoughts

• Body releases endorphins

• Enhancement of self-efficacy

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Source: Loretta Breuning, PhD

Source: Complete Strength Training

• In addition to deterring and treating depression... ~ mental health benefits ~ physical health benefits

• Easy steps to take…~ Workout when your

energy is the highest ~ Engage in activities you enjoy ~ Make it a social activity ~ Incorporate variety ~ Make it a priority

BENEFITS & HOW TO’S OF STAYING PHYSICALLY

ACTIVE

Source: Pinterest- TRF chiropractor

Exercise for 20-30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week…• Help reduce your risk of depression! • Reap the plethora of mental and physical health benefits!• And it can be fun, only takes a few minutes of your time,

helps prevent serious illnesses and enhances the quality of your life!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Source: Fitneass Source: Sine International Institute of Technology

Depression is a battle against your mind, so you need to exercise in order to help your body gain

the strength to fight back!

CONCLUSION

Source: Odyssey