An estimated 1 out of every 10 adults in the United States struggles with depression. When depression strikes, you may experience feelings of hopelessness, but there are things you can do to feel better. Talk therapy can have an incredibly positive impact on how you feel. In addition to therapy, getting up and moving your body can also help to combat the blues.
At Wellness Road Psychology in New York City and Dobbs Ferry, New York, our team of licensed psychologists and psychotherapists gives you the support and tools to overcome challenges, process emotions, and bring balance back into your life, no matter if you’re suffering from depression or another mental health problem..
When you're feeling depressed, you're less likely to engage in activities that may actually help you feel better. For instance, it's common to isolate, which can make it harder to feel better. The providers at Wellness Road Psychology want you to know you can take action to boost your mood and feel like yourself again.
In addition to therapy and some practical steps you can take in your daily life, some people benefit from medication. All these things work together to help you recover from depression so you feel and function better.
There’s a link between the benefits of exercise and improving depression. Moderate-intensity exercise, whether it be aerobic or resistance training, boosts mood and wellbeing. Exercise is an effective behavioral intervention. When you engage in physical activity, it triggers physiological processes that provide a multitude of health benefits.
Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which not only boosts your mood, but also enhances your sense of wellbeing. Sustained low-intensity exercise triggers the release of growth factors that cause new nerve cells to grow and make new connections. Regular exercise to support nerve cell growth can help balance brain function and protect against low mood.
Physical activity also causes the release of chemicals that relax muscles and help you feel calm. Additionally, regular exercise improves sleep quality and lowers blood pressure.
Exercise benefits your mental health in another way. It increases a feeling of self-efficacy, which is a feeling of confidence that you have control over your behavior and environment. A reduction in self-efficacy is common in people who feel depressed.
Many people who experience depression feel a lack of power and control over changing their situation. When you take action to engage in regular exercise and experience the benefits, it helps you feel more in control of how you feel. When you feel like you have the power to change things, your mood often improves as a result.
It’s never too early or too late to make your mental health a top priority. If you’re struggling with depression, reach out to our team of specialists by giving us a call at Wellness Road Psychology to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. We offer in-person, online, and phone coaching sessions to meet your needs. Start the journey to feeling better today,
