Imagine to feel sad, moody or frustrated all the time without any apparent reason for long periods of time.

Sounds familiar?

Well… some of us experience these feelings and we don’t have control of it. Yes, I’m talking about depression, which is more than just a low mood,  it’s a serious condition that can be overwhelming and affects physical and mental health and interfere with daily activities like work and life itself.

Let me tell you, treating depression effectively takes more than going to therapy and taking medications, it’s necessary to pass thru a recovery process where the principal goal is staying well and healthy.

You  can beat depression with a healthy lifestyle and good friends…I’ll tell you why.

I want to focus in exercise and socialize, two activities that have help me positively  to boost my mood and to lower my ” down periods”  even in those days when I’ve felt that is very difficult to have a balance between my mind and my  body.

According with Dr. Daniel Enrique Jimenez, a psychiatry and behavioral sciences expert with the University of Miami Health System:

“Loneliness is killing these older adults who interact only with a television. Isolation and inactivity are so detrimental to physical and mental health.” – What Dr. Jimenez suggest is to take a walk and engage in a hobby with a friend or loved one.

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Exercise

Researchers say Exercise actually promote happiness, physically active people reported greater feelings of enthusiasm. Exercise helps release chemicals called endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body and beyond its protective effect against feelings of Depression, it also reduces stress, that’s why incorporating a fitness routine it’s perfect to a depression treatment plan.

Tony Musto, PhD, Director of Fitness Programs for UHealth’s Fitness and Wellness Center, and an adjunct professor in UMiami’s Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, says: “Attaining recommended activity levels decreases our risks of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, bone density loss and depression”.

Socialize

Spent time socializing with friends and family it’s perfect to build confidence, because it helps to feel a part of something and supported in various ways. People who have a large group of friends are less likely to suffer depression and it’s an excellent way to improve an anxiety or depression treatment.

If socializing it’s complicated, a perfect way to start is choosing activities or hobbies that involves interaction with different types of people, and soon it will be easier to enjoy the benefits of having healthy relationships with others.

Talking about exercise, joining a group of exercise it’s a strong social support. Working out with a close friend or partner, will help to improve the physical activity and emotional comfort, knowing that others are supportive.

YES, I’m the one at the gym that will say out loud ….  ” YOU CAN DO IT ”

Remember, if you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing depression, talk with a health professional.

For more information visit: news.umiamihealth.org/en   

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