Moving Out of Depression

Moving Out of Depression

 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 21 million adults (8.4% of the adult population) in the United States had at least one major depressive episode (Major Depression, n.d.).

Through The 15 Day Challenge, many people have told us about their experiences sinking under the weight of depression, and their stories have inspired us to make this post.

Exercise may help

Staying active may be one of the last things you feel like doing under the weight of depression, but studies have shown promising results. For example, research indicates that just 30 minutes of walking on a treadmill for ten consecutive days can help reduce symptoms of depression and produce long-lasting benefits (Craft & Perna, 2004).

You are stronger than you realize. We believe that you can do it because we’ve seen results within our community. We’ve read countless stories from people who have made real, measurable progress through lifestyle changes and increased movement. People have reported that after including more exercise in their routines, they feel more focused and alive, and the weight of depression, while not disappearing overnight, feels less heavy to bear.

Read some of these inspiring stories.

If you continue to struggle, please seek help. There is a saying that “many hands make light work,” and we believe that is true of all things that are heavy, including mental health. Please know that you do not need to carry that weight alone.

If you or a loved one is suffering with depression, here are some resources:

• Within the United States:
  • Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
• Outside of the United States:
  • Suicide.org

 

By: Gary Path Senior Creative Content Writer at Total Life Changes

References

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Major depression. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
2. Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/