While exercise is known to help with many ailments, I doubt many people would think it can help with anxiety and depression.
But it does.
In an article in the Mayo Clinic eNewsletter, the author talks about why exercise is effective.
* Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
* Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
* Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects
Let you think that a rigorous, time-consuming routine must be followed the article points out that even small amounts of activity as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference.
Showing posts with label Depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Depression. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, September 14, 2009
Online Talk Therapy Helps with Depression
Yet another reason to love the Internet. Through online therapy, people are getting help in dealing with depression. In a report on CNN a new study (published in The Lancet) suggests that real-time chat therapy with a psychotherapist is successful in helping people with depression.
The online therapy, which is cognitive behavioral therapy, consisted of up to 10 55-minute sessions, five of which were expected to be completed by the four-month follow-up.
The results were strong. Of the 113 people who did online therapy, 38% recovered from depression after four months, compared with 24% of people in the control group. The benefits were maintained at eight months, with 42% of the online therapy group and 26% of the control group having recovered.
One reason that this works is that people might find it easier to talk about things are "embarrassing or stigmatizing if they're not interacting face to face" with a therapist, said Dr. Gregory Simon, a psychiatrist and researcher at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, Washington.
And of course this is great for people, who for whatever reason, don't have access to in-person counseling.
Yet another reason to love the Internet. Through online therapy, people are getting help in dealing with depression. In a report on CNN a new study (published in The Lancet) suggests that real-time chat therapy with a psychotherapist is successful in helping people with depression.
The online therapy, which is cognitive behavioral therapy, consisted of up to 10 55-minute sessions, five of which were expected to be completed by the four-month follow-up.
The results were strong. Of the 113 people who did online therapy, 38% recovered from depression after four months, compared with 24% of people in the control group. The benefits were maintained at eight months, with 42% of the online therapy group and 26% of the control group having recovered.
One reason that this works is that people might find it easier to talk about things are "embarrassing or stigmatizing if they're not interacting face to face" with a therapist, said Dr. Gregory Simon, a psychiatrist and researcher at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, Washington.
And of course this is great for people, who for whatever reason, don't have access to in-person counseling.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Another Warning For Teenagers On Antidepressant Drugs
Generally, I hate to focus on bad news, but when it comes to kids and teenagers I feel I have to include it. Last week again the FDA came out with another warning about the effects on teens/young adults of taking antidepressants.
There is an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts in kids when they take these drugs. If the FDA is issuing another warning we have to know how serious it is. They do not issue these warnings lightly or often.
To jump on my soapbox for a minute, I can't tell you how many young adults I know personally who are taking some type of antidepressant drugs. These kids are given these drugs way too easily and for a variety of issues.
While there are cases, I'm sure, of kids who need these drugs; I doubt that many have tried holistic or natural medicine to treat these conditions.
They are natural alternatives including herbs and exercise. The exercise study is from none other than the Mayo Clinic!
So, please, please tell every parent you know that they should seek every other method of treatment before turning to these drugs.
Generally, I hate to focus on bad news, but when it comes to kids and teenagers I feel I have to include it. Last week again the FDA came out with another warning about the effects on teens/young adults of taking antidepressants.
There is an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts in kids when they take these drugs. If the FDA is issuing another warning we have to know how serious it is. They do not issue these warnings lightly or often.
To jump on my soapbox for a minute, I can't tell you how many young adults I know personally who are taking some type of antidepressant drugs. These kids are given these drugs way too easily and for a variety of issues.
While there are cases, I'm sure, of kids who need these drugs; I doubt that many have tried holistic or natural medicine to treat these conditions.
They are natural alternatives including herbs and exercise. The exercise study is from none other than the Mayo Clinic!
So, please, please tell every parent you know that they should seek every other method of treatment before turning to these drugs.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Very Serious Health Warning
Although I have made it a policy not to write about drugs in this column, given today's news I have to make an exception. Today the New York Times report that a recent FDA panel analysis of antidepressants reveals a strong suicide risk associated with taking these drugs.
And the group most affected? People under 25!
Here's what one panel member had to say.
"I really feel we have an obligation to warn the public when we have new information, and we do," said Jean Bronstein, a consumer representative and panel member from Sunnyvale, Calif., referring to a recent F.D.A. analysis that found a link between suicidal behavior and antidepressants in young adults.
From the article:
The recommendation followed hours of emotional public testimony on both sides of the issue, and comes amid a long-running debate about the safety of the drugs, which include medications like Prozac, from Eli Lilly, Paxil, from GlaxoSmithKline, and Effexor, from Wyeth.
Without jumping on a soapbox, can I tell you how many kids, aged 15 and younger, are on these types of medication in my own state? I bet everyone knows of at least a few kids on antidepressants.
What are we doing to our kids?
We have got to find better, safer alternative.
Although I have made it a policy not to write about drugs in this column, given today's news I have to make an exception. Today the New York Times report that a recent FDA panel analysis of antidepressants reveals a strong suicide risk associated with taking these drugs.
And the group most affected? People under 25!
Here's what one panel member had to say.
"I really feel we have an obligation to warn the public when we have new information, and we do," said Jean Bronstein, a consumer representative and panel member from Sunnyvale, Calif., referring to a recent F.D.A. analysis that found a link between suicidal behavior and antidepressants in young adults.
From the article:
The recommendation followed hours of emotional public testimony on both sides of the issue, and comes amid a long-running debate about the safety of the drugs, which include medications like Prozac, from Eli Lilly, Paxil, from GlaxoSmithKline, and Effexor, from Wyeth.
Without jumping on a soapbox, can I tell you how many kids, aged 15 and younger, are on these types of medication in my own state? I bet everyone knows of at least a few kids on antidepressants.
What are we doing to our kids?
We have got to find better, safer alternative.
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