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Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

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31–40 of 111 posts

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#31

Because exercise is free and 'real medicine' for depression is a $25b industry

Well you're lying because working out is like the top recommended cure for depression. My doc begged me to stop taking meds and run again because it worked much better

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#33

> When we look at higher-quality evidence and direct comparisons, exercise performs similarly to, but not dramatically better than, established treatments. Overhyping it risks damaging credibility in this important area of mental health. I get where he's coming from, but at the same time, if we can achieve even roughly the same result with exercise as with medication, that's a ridiculously huge win. Side effects of a…

The problem is that most people will reach for a pill before they will exercise, when given the choice.

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#34
post #26

Aren't depressions coming with side-effects like inability to do anything at all? The block is somewhere else to overcome before even thinking about exercise and the brain might have a good reason to block it (e.g. some local energetic/metabolic failure and the brain forcing a "safe mode" to prevent further damage). It's like telling to people with endothelial damage that exercise would do them good when in fact it w…

> Aren't depressions coming with side-effects like inability to do anything at all?

Severe depression, absolutely. That's also discussed in the article.

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#35
post #23

There’s a good argument for making joining a gym or buying exercise equipment prescription only. A lot of people can injure themselves if they don’t know what they’re doing. Maybe we could use flock cameras to enforce prescriptions for walking on the sidewalks.

> buying exercise equipment prescription only

Like eyeglasses for near-sighted people. Obviously prescriptions should never be needed for far-sighted people. Only for near-sighted people.

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#36
post #15
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For some of us, attempting to dance causes greater amounts of depression in those nearby than it cures in us.

Eh, more like cringe. They'll get over it. You'll also get better.

> Eh, more like cringe.

Yeah, true.

> They'll get over it.

Has not been my experience.

> You'll also get better.

Ditto.

I am not gifted at music but my affinity for it and ability to play music is above-average (not hard, most people just don't ever even try) but if I try to dance, somehow where I think each movement should start or end is entirely wrong, like, to such a degree that it's like I'm trying and wonderfully succeeding at doing it wrong.

Somehow, even with the objective criteria of sensors ensuring I am indeed hitting things when I should be, I can even get pretty damn good at something like Dance Dance Revolution, and feel like I'm moving naturally and smoothly while playing it, yet apparently look like I'm having a seizure even as I'm landing "perfects" across the board.

That's how constitutionally incapable of dance (or, if you prefer, how "white") I am.

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#39
post #23

There’s a good argument for making joining a gym or buying exercise equipment prescription only. A lot of people can injure themselves if they don’t know what they’re doing. Maybe we could use flock cameras to enforce prescriptions for walking on the sidewalks.

You should require a permit to leave your house, since a lot of deaths and injury happen outside of the house. The permit would generously give you the freedom to go outside for your job + once per week errand run. 1 hr/month leisure excursions permitted with good behaviour. You know, for your safety.

Can you help me understand? Why does safety have to be all or nothing?

Re: Exercise works for depression. So why isn't it treated like real medicine?

#40

Exercise really is a wonder drug. The best of the best! If only doctors could prescribe it and have people adhere to the prescription. If only American culture weren't so car-centric and our daily lives involved some natural amount of exercising. We've built a society where only the privileged few can walk or bike to work. It's just too easy these days to barely move in our normal life. Drive to work, drive to the st…

There are simple things that add up:

Skip the elevator and take the stairs.

Park at the far end of the parking lot, not next to the door.

When I run errands, I park at a central location and walk to the various destinations.

When I meet a friend or associate, instead of meeting at a restaurant, I propose meeting at a nice area and have a walk & talk.

It adds up.

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