There are lots of studies that show that running and exercise release endorphens and other chemicals which will make you feel better, but can it really be a treatment for depression? That is what scientists at the University of Bristol wanted to 
know when they conducted their reserach on physical activity and depression.
In the study they investigated the effectiveness of exercise as an additional treatment for adults who were diagnosed with depression. They chose 361 adults aged 18-69 and treated them for their depression using the standard treatment. They also provided three face to face sessions and 10 phone calls with a trainer to get them to do some exercise.
The result? Nothing.
Adding exercise with a trainer to a standard treatment for depression did not provide any extra benefit.
Exercise and mood
Of course, I wouldn’t give up on exercise just yet. There seem to be lots of shortcomings in this study (e.g. maybe people didn’t really exercise the same amount or didn’t exercise much at all). They also didn’t try joggling. It’s very difficult to keep up a bad mood while joggling.
Whether it provides a treatment for depression or not, exercise can definitely boost your immediate mood. So, if you are feeling blue go joggling (or running). If the blue mood persists however, go see a doctor.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I think there needs to be more of a distinction between ‘having a bad day’ and clinical depression. Running will help most people feel better, but it won’t cure mental illness.
No doubt about that. If someone suffers from mental illness it’s going to take a lot more than just exercise.
I’ve read studies that it’s effective for relieving symptoms of mild depression/anxiety, which seems true to me.
I just took about 3 weeks off from joggling due to travel. I then moved to a new town and left everyone I knew, which made me very sad. I noticed that once I got back into joggling yesterday, my mood immediately went back to normal. Whether it was a placebo or not, it definitely helped me.
Thanks for the story Matt. It’s always tough to move away from everyone you know. I actually felt a bit blue today and definitely felt better after joggling. It helps me too.