By Matt Park
park@newsroom.byu.edu
Although the thought of going to the gym gives some students the blues, it may be the best medicine for depression.
A study that appears in the October issue of the scientific journal, Psychosomatic Medicine, says exactly that.
Researchers at Duke University conducted a trial using the popular anti-depressant Zoloft along with an exercise program to treat clinically depressed patients.
One group received only the medication, another group was placed on a program of moderate exercise and a third group was given a combination of drugs and exercise.
While all three treatments worked to reduce the symptoms of depression, exercise alone was much better in the long run.
After 4 months, every group saw an improvement of sixty to sixty-nine percent.
However, after ten months the exercise group saw only 8 percent of symptoms return, while the drug and combined groups saw thirty-eight and thirty-one percent of symptoms return.
While no one should stop taking their medication without the advice of a physician, this study underscores what personal trainers have known for years: that exercise is effective in managing depression.
Kelly Behunin, 28, is a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness in Orem and has been involved in fitness for 8 years.
'I think that half of the people that walk through the gym door have self-esteem issues, that's why they are here, to change their body image,' he said.
While physical activity release endorphins, which stimulate the pleasure centers of the brain, that feeling is only temporary, Behunin said.
'You have to come back time and time again to get that feeling, it's like an addiction. But, the real change comes when they see results,' he said.
While working out may change body image and alter the body's chemistry, the real change can by psychological.
Brad Chappell, a social psychologist practicing in Springville, touts exercise as a good way to deal with the blues.
'It's a great way to release stress and anxiety, and unlike medication, the side effects (of exercise) never hurt,' he said.
Science doesn't understand every facet of depression. However, self-esteem is an important part of dealing with depression, Chappell said.
'The study is consistent with what I have seen. Exercise can help a depressed individual enormously,' he said.
Kevin Smith, 23, majoring in business from L.A. county, said he thinks exercise is a great way to deal with anxiety.
'The gym totally helps me deal with things, just running takes away stress and helps me center,' he said.
Depression is a complicated issue and affects thousands of students daily.
While exercise may not be the complete answer, it can help individuals suffering from depression cope better.