We all know that exercise and lifestyle changes are completely necessary if we want to be physically healthy. But not everyone accepts that regular exercise is essential for the treatment of depression. 
 
When I was 15, I started using exercise to pick myself from the stress and anxiety of growing up in a tumultuous household. It was my go to activity for picking myself up, even temporarily, from the downs I’d feel from growing up in a highly stressful household, where I didn't fit in.
 
Even though these highs were temporary, I thank my lucky stars that I had the wisdom to turn to these activities to feel good. Exercise is my constant flotation device in times of struggle. 
 
This week I decided to chat with an expert in the treatment of mental health to show that what I’m talking about is indeed fact, not just theory. 
 
Dr. Katherine Rouleau (MDCM, CCFP, MHSc) is Director of the Global Health Program in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.  She took time out of her busy schedule to answer some of my questions:
 
What’s happening in a depressed person's brain chemically?  
 
“The depressed brain is subject to a complex number of changes, some of which are not fully understood. A simplified way to think about this issue is that during episodes of depression, some of the brain chemicals are deficient, insufficient or out of balance to maintain a normal mood.
 
The most commonly mentioned such neuro-transmiter is serotonin.  This is the chemical substance that is increased through the use of many anti-depressant medications.”
 
What impact does exercise have on a depressed person's brain? 
 “Some studies have found that exercise can cause a rise in the level of serotonin in the brain, mostly in the short term. We also know that regular exercise is associated with improved general wellbeing without fully understanding the complex chemical pathways that underlie this positive effect.
 
Beyond a likely direct effect of exercise on the depressed brain, we should also keep in mind the general benefits of physical activity such as potentially feeling more positive about the way we look and feel, engaging in life, and in some cases offering positive social interaction.  These overall benefits of physical activity also impact both the depressed and non-depressed brain.”
 
What is your experience with patients who implement exercise as part of the treatment plan?
“I must admit that I consistently see a positive impact of exercise on mild and moderate depression in my practice.  Some of this clearly comes from the sense of empowerment and pride that comes from doing something good for ourselves.
 
In some cases of moderate depression and certainly in severe depression, however, exercise alone is unlikely to show an improvement and medication is needed.”
 
Thanks so much to Dr. Rouleau. If you’re struggling, alone with what you might think is depression, get your butt off the couch, go see your doctor and reach deep into yourself to find the strength to start moving and sweating.

Remember you're not alone if you experience a bit of the January blues, or if you wonder if you need to seek treatment for depression. Seeking help from mental health experts is a sign of strength, not weakness! 
 
And before you go, watch this video: "What's the single best thing you can do for your health"