How Being Active Can Actually Help With Depression

How Being Active Can Actually Help With Depression
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The estimated 19 million adults across the country who suffer from depression know that there is no way to appropriately express how crippling it can be. For those not familiar with the illness, the National Institute of Mental Health defines it as "a common but serious illness...[that] interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you."

Depression is treatable, usually with counseling, anti-depressants, or a combination of both. But research suggests there might be an additional option, just as effective as anti-depressants.

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Improved Sleep

Ways Being Active Can Help with Depression

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Researchers have been studying exercise and depression for decades and the results indicate exercise can be a great tool for dealing with symptoms and potentially feeling better long-term. Exercise is a great tool because it can be used alongside any other treatment plan without any side effects or issues.

Exercise doesn't carry the same stigma as counseling or anti-depressants, and working out can be free, whereas medication and doctors visits can cost hundreds. Exercise can also helps people feel better right away -- no other treatment options can claim such quick results.

Read on to find out the 10 ways being active can help with depression.

-Diana Gerstacker, The Active Times

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