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Depressed Denied Exercise Help and Advice from NHS
The BBC reports today that people suffering from depression in the UK are still being denied exercise on prescription (in the form of free exercise classes and tuition) even though a report was published in 2004 detailing how exercise helps people cope with depression. This new announcement coincides with Stephen Fry’s recent comment that his new exercise and healthy eating regime has allowed him to cope better with his depression than he has in years.
The problem is that even many GP’s would like to prescribe exercise for their patients, only 50% of GP’s actually have a referrals list of clubs and personal trainers for their area.
It is estimated that 1 in 6 people actually suffer from depression, and this is becoming more evident as the economic crisis leads to more unemployment, anxiety and stress. Doctors are currently prescribing antidepressants at record levels, with prescriptions doubling in the last decade. However, studies have shown that for mild to moderate depression, exercise is actually as effective as anti-depressants, and there are no side effects. In fact, there are other positive effects on health and general well-being.
Comments from the Medical and Scientific Community
“This is not about knocking antidepressants, they can be incredibly helpful for some people but the truth is that their side-effects can be unpleasant. People experiencing mild or moderate depression are currently being denied access to a clinically recommended, medication-free treatment that could help them. Primary Care Trusts really need to make an effort to ensure that exercise therapy is available to GPs and their patients.” Andrew McCulloch, CEO, Mental Health Foundation.
“Despite the increasing evidence base to support exercise therapy, much more needs to be done to persuade those in the health service of their benefits.” Rosi Prescott, Central YMCA
“There is certainly a role for such a straightforward, simple treatment for depression. It is a great pity that doctors tend to press the biomedical button, rather than one which enables patients to help themselves. Unfortunately, we are taught so much as medical school to look for a biomedical solution involving drugs or procedures, rather than to consider self-help options.” Dr Mike Dixon, NHS Alliance.
The fact is that studies have shown that people suffering from depression respond very well to exercise. In addition to this, a study reported in 2007 showed that exercising outdoors has even greater psychological benefits.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has recommended that people suffering from depression should exercise 3 or 4 times a week for 45-60 minutes each time, to help cope with depression. Coincidently, this pretty much matches advice from the government regarding exercise to help to maintain a healthy weight. The general rule should really apply to everyone.
MotleyHealth’s Radical Idea
As the numerous studies have shown that exercise helps reduce mental health problems, control obesity and allow people to remain active for longer, all of which remove a massive burdon on the NHS and other health systems around the world, governments should provide more exercise incentives. Some health insurance companies, such as PruHealth, offer incentives in the form of discounted health cover to those that attend health clubs and gyms. Maybe it is time for governments to offer tax incentives to people to lose weight and get active. If you agree, post here, and we can start a petition to give healthier people tax breaks!
Source: BBC Health News
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wow thats intense