Depression treatment 'should include exercising outdoors'
15/04/2010 Exercising outdoors can help form part of the treatment for depression, according to one expert.
Julia Kaye, from the Welsh charity Journeys, said that exercising outdoors can help as it lifts peoples' mood.
"Depression is basically very low mood, so anything that helps to alleviate that is a positive benefit," she explained.
Figures from Turning Point show that three-quarters of people in the UK experience depression either regularly or occasionally, however only a third will ask for help. Women are also more likely feel depressed than men.
Ms Kaye added that medication or exercise alone will not tackle the condition. A healthy diet and plenty of sleep were both also recommended.
The comments come after a study was released last week which suggested exercise was a 'magic drug' for those suffering with depression.
Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at the Southern Methodist University, said that exercising outdoors may help "fill the gap" for those who cannot afford other treatments or are afraid of the stigma attached to mental health conditions.
Julia Kaye, from the Welsh charity Journeys, said that exercising outdoors can help as it lifts peoples' mood.
"Depression is basically very low mood, so anything that helps to alleviate that is a positive benefit," she explained.
Figures from Turning Point show that three-quarters of people in the UK experience depression either regularly or occasionally, however only a third will ask for help. Women are also more likely feel depressed than men.
Ms Kaye added that medication or exercise alone will not tackle the condition. A healthy diet and plenty of sleep were both also recommended.
The comments come after a study was released last week which suggested exercise was a 'magic drug' for those suffering with depression.
Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at the Southern Methodist University, said that exercising outdoors may help "fill the gap" for those who cannot afford other treatments or are afraid of the stigma attached to mental health conditions.
