Quoting from the article....

"Irrespective of genes, there's strong evidence that exercise can improve symptoms of depression, says psychologist James Blumenthal of Duke University Medical Center. "I doubt that there's no link between exercise and mood because again and again we've seen that when they become sedentary, people are more likely to get depressed, and becoming active improves mood," says Blumenthal."

I can only relate to my personal experience and I can tell you that for me, (and my depression isn't 'mild').... regular exercise is beneficial to my overall physcial and mental health. They are inter-related.

Just today I was struggling with a meltdown.... in a really bad place.... exhausted from the anxiety that triggered a rapid slide into early signs of depression. Rather than roll over and give into it I pushed myself outside to the park across the street.

I went just to have a swing in the rain and get some distraction relief with some child's play in the park. Having been energized some from the wind and rain in my face I pushed a little harder and started to jog around the field. I didn't get very far because I really was quiet exhausted....but I pushed until I'd raised my heart rate up to help release some 'happy seratonans'(sp?). I came back from the park in better spirits than when I'd gone there. The new energy and clearer head held me up for most of the day and seemed to help me cognitively to focus better than I was able to do before the health break.

I don't get as much regular exercise as I think would benefit me and I hope to improve on that now that spring is in the air. Maybe take up tennis again and start jogging regularly again. At least speed walking or maybe some hiking.

It can't hurt and I can't see how it wouldn't help. When one is physically strong then it will naturally translate into greater mental strength as well.

I really think the Big 3 are important to mental wellness..... sleep, diet and exercise. Without those 3 things being properly managed I think all other treatment becomes a bit of a crap shoot.

Just no way to avoid the importance of good self care.... physical, intellectual, spiritual and emotional. Balanced and in harmony with one another is what makes for a healthy mind, body and spirit. No med can substitute for basic self care. Meds can only enhance what a good diet, a good sleep routine and a good exercise rountine can set as the foundation.

Good luck avoiding exercise....lol.... doubt your article will be convincing to those who think as I do or the Doc I quoted from the article but ya never know. You might just want to give exercise a serious try (if you haven't already) and see for yourself if a regular regiment won't help you with the depression.

That's what I'm going to be more consistant about in the days and weeks ahead. I don't think I was well enough until now to really boost up my exercise level.

For a long while getting out to walk the dog around the block or even in the yard was a major achievement. Between the phobias to leave my house or encounter a stranger or to hear the noise of trucks.... and the fatique so bad that to walk much further than the bathroom was enough to cause me to lean on the wall along the way.... the thought of real exercise was a joke to consider. But I did make myself walk as much as I could just the same. Even if just around my house in my yard a dozen times or so. Just getting outside into nature was uplifting.

Now I can do more so I think it timely to increase the level of exercise in my days. Sure can't hurt and I do believe it helps.

Take good care.... you welcomed opposing views.... you got it... lol.