Eating well and exercising can help treat depression as can going to therapy

GEELONG, Australia Feeling down? Running every day and eating well can be the best way for your mind. Researchers have found that eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be just as effective as traditional psychotherapy in treating depression. This finding may help people who have difficulty seeking mental health help or who cannot access regular treatment sessions.

The study, conducted by researchers at Deakin University in Australia, compared the effectiveness of two different methods of treating depression: lifestyle therapy focused on nutrition and physical activity, and traditional therapy. cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy. Surprisingly, they found that both methods were equally effective in reducing depression symptoms over an 8-week period.

This research comes at an important time. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of depression has increased worldwide, with an estimated 50 million new cases worldwide. Traditional mental health services have been reduced, leaving many without access to the care they need. The possibility of a new, effective treatment option could be revolutionary in solving this growing problem.

Study, published in The Lancet Regional Health included 182 adults with depressive symptoms. Half of the participants were assigned to a health treatment group, where they received guidance on improving their diet and increasing physical activity. The other half participated in regular CBT sessions. Both groups attended six 90-minute sessions over eight weeks, which were conducted via online video conferencing.

What makes this study so interesting is the focus on lifestyle as the primary treatment for depression, not just a supplement. Although the relationship between physical health and mental health has long been recognized, this is one of the first studies to directly compare lifestyle and psychological therapies. established.

Lifestyle therapy sessions were led by dieticians and physical therapists, who helped participants set personal goals for positive lifestyle changes. These may include adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet, reducing their intake of processed foods, or establishing a regular exercise routine. Importantly, the focus was not on weight loss, but on improving overall health.

On the other hand, CBT sessions, led by psychologists, focus on helping participants identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression. This is a well-established treatment that has been shown to work for many people with depression.

After eight weeks, both groups showed significant improvement in their depression symptoms. On average, participants in both groups saw their scores on the standard depression scale decrease by about 40%. This suggests that for many people, making the right changes in diet and exercise routines can be just as effective as traditional treatments for managing depression.

These findings can have very serious implications for mental health. First, lifestyles are easily accessible and accessible to many people. Although finding and providing a professional can be a challenge, especially in rural or underserved areas, many people can make changes in their diet and exercise routines with little professional guidance.

In addition, this method may be particularly appealing to those who are hesitant about traditional treatment or medicine. Some people may find it easier to start with lifestyle changes rather than engaging in emotional counseling or taking antidepressants.

However, it is important to note that this does not mean that lifestyle changes should replace all forms of treatment. Depression is a complex condition, and what works best can vary greatly from person to person. For others, a combination of approaches — including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes — may be more beneficial.

The study also highlights the potential for a holistic approach to mental health care. By addressing physical health along with mental health, we can effectively improve overall health. This is in line with a growing body of research suggesting that mental and physical health are closely linked.

Although more research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate their long-term effects, this study opens up exciting new opportunities in the field of mental health treatment. It suggests that sometimes, the road to mental health may begin with our plates and our running shoes, rather than at the doctor’s bedside.