Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the US, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and functions. It has many negative consequences like affecting quality of life and increasing health risks. Exercise has been shown to be an effective preventative method and treatment for depression. Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression as much as medication or therapy. It works by reducing stress, improving mood through the release of endorphins, and enhancing self-esteem. The document recommends exercising for 20-30 minutes 3-5 times per week in order to help reduce risks of depression and gain various mental and physical health benefits.

1. By Huseina Abbas
EXERCISE AS AN EFFECTIVE
PREVENTATIVE AND TREATMENT
METHOD OF DEPRESSION

2. “44% of American college students report having symptoms
of depression and 75% of those students are not being
treated for their illness” (Kerr, 2012)
INTRODUCTION
Source: FamilyAnatomy Source: AllAboutDepression

3. • One of the most common mental
disorders in the U.S.
• Affects how a person thinks, behaves,
feels, and functions
~Lasts for more than two weeks,
interferes with daily activities
• Affects the quality of life
~Mental and physical problems
~High risk behaviors
~Affects happiness in adulthood
WHAT IS DEPRESSION? WHAT
ARE ITS CONSEQUENCES?
Source: ACT counseling

4. • “1 out of 4 college students suffer
from some form of mental illness
including depression” (Kerr, 2012)
• Why are college students at risk?
~ Multitude of pressures and
challenges
~ Unhealthy lifestyles
• Reason to be concerned?
~ Causes students to dropout
~ Largest risk for suicide
EPIDEMIC AMONG COLLEGE
STUDENTS
Source: Make My Assignments

5. “There is clear evidence that physical activity alone can reduce
symptoms of mild to moderate depression to the same extent as
standard treatments (psychotherapy and antidepressant
medication)” (Andersson, et. al, 2015)
EXERCISE REDUCES RISK & IS AN
EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR
DEPRESSION
Source: Health Mag
Source: Best Counseling Degrees

6. • Exercise reduces stress, improves
sleep, increases energy levels,
serves as a distraction from
negative thoughts
• Body releases endorphins
• Enhancement of self-efficacy
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Source: Loretta Breuning, PhD
Source:
Complete Strength
Training

7. • In addition to deterring and treating
depression...
~ mental health benefits
~ physical health benefits
• Easy steps to take…
~ Workout when your energy is
the highest
~ Engage in activities you enjoy
~ Make it a social activity
~ Incorporate variety
~ Make it a priority
BENEFITS & HOW TO’S OF
STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Source: Pinterest- TRF chiropractor

8. Exercise for 20-30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week…
• Help reduce your risk of depression!
• Reap the plethora of mental and physical health benefits!
• And it can be fun, only takes a few minutes of your time, helps prevent
serious illnesses and enhances the quality of your life!
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Source: Fitneass Source: Sine International Institute of Technology

9. Depression is a battle against your mind, so you need to
exercise in order to help your body gain the strength
to fight back!
CONCLUSION
Source: Odyssey