Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders of all types have a devastating effect on those who suffer from them.
They prevent their sufferers from achieving the heights they were made to and the number of those who suffer seems to increase with each year.
Fortunately, there is always hope.
We’ve looked at some natural methods people can employ within their own power to either help prevent or treat these issues, whether they be herbs such as turmeric and saffron, or the restriction of carbohydrates.
We’ve also posited some simple activities and mindset shifts people can take to help themselves, like the five mentioned here.
But what else is out there for sufferers to look to?
Today we are going to review a study that has looked into such a treatment, but first, we must say that this article is not meant to advocate for the removal of pharmaceutical treatments.
In cases where they are needed, they can be life-savers.
This article will instead explore the results of a study that may show a natural method to treat these types of disorders either in place of (where appropriate) or in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments.
Always consult with your doctor to find out what is right for you. Do not stop taking your medication as a result of this article and do not prevent yourself from taking medication because of this article. That decision must be made between you and your licensed health care practitioner.
As for the aforementioned study, researchers from the University of Vermont tested something very simple that we all have free access to.
Exercise
They tested their theory that exercise can be a a major, even primary, therapeutic intervention in inpatient psychiatry patients by administering exercise sessions followed by nutrition information sessions to adult inpatients on the Shepardson 3 and Shepardson 6 Units at the University of Vermont Medical Center four times a week.
Exercise sessions were 60 minutes long and included cardiovascular training, resistance training, and flexibility training.
Everyone can probably benefit from a program like this.
Researchers assessed overall mood, willingness to engage in further education, physical condition, physical fitness/readiness, movement-based practices, nutrition group attendance, and perceived body image both pre- and post-session over the course of twelve months.
Although the sample size was less than ideal…
The results were nothing short of remarkable
Responding to the question “did the exercise group improve your mood?” the Shepardson 6 Unit responded in the affirmative to the tune of 96.8% while the Shepardson 3 Unit responded affirmatively at 93.2%.
To the question “are you pleased with the way your body feels now?” Shepardson 6 responded affirmatively at 90.6% and Shepardson 3 at 93.0%.
Obviously these numbers are astonishingly close to perfect but a very important marker is whether or not these results can turn into lasting habits that improve mood and feelings over time.
That makes the question “after attending this group, do you think you will exercise more?” all the more important.
To that question, Shepardson 6 responded affirmatively at 100% while Shepardson 3 responded affirmatively at 97.6%.
If the results seen by these researchers can be replicated in the general population, it is not beyond comprehension that exercise can have positive benefits to all of us and is something those with mood disorders should take under strong consideration with their health care practitioners.
The great news for all of us is exercise is free, is no respecter of socioeonomic status, what you look like or where you come from.
It’s in your own two hands and completely within your own power.
And if we have our own power, no one can take it away from us.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2164956119848657
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