PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DISORDERS

Based on the recent predictions by WHO, the global disease burden will be influenced greatly by depression until 2020. When we think about the effect of depression on disabilities such prediction becomes worrying. The high rate of suicidal thoughts and critical physical condition is usually related to depression. However, we are fortunate to discover that there are convincing evidences of PA (Physical Activity) that can treat depression and consequently can help to avoid the unnecessary use of antidepressants which could have dangerous side effects. PA is an effective weapon to treat and prevent different physical and psychological implications of anxiety disorders, for example: depression. In this article we have done our best to analyze the available information about the connection between PA and mental health by focusing on relation between PA and mood.In spite of this and by regarding the fact that depression is globally common, it would be more meaningful if we switch our concentration on preventing the beginning of depression. Therefore, we should assess the significant evidence to make a more acceptable case to find the connection between PA and depression. The reluctance to have PA can also be linked to the progress of mental disorders: There have been some cases which show a relation between amount and signs of depression. When researchers found some cases of reduced depression due to exercise, they speculated the possibility of using PA to treat mental problems.The proposals of PA have changed during the last 10 years: from 90 to 99 the public health focus was on 3-5 bouts of PA per week. Since 1995 it is suggested that people should have moderate PA on as many days as possible at least for 30 minutes, which can include some usual exercises and everyday activities such as brisk walking, gardening or window washing to enhance their health through PA. There are enough supporting methodological studies to collect convincing evidence to prove that depression can be prevented via PA. In accordance with many of these studies, there is an inverse relationship between the baseline PA and the subsequent depression. Fortunately, even the low level of PA has been shown to be effective in preventing the follow-up depression. Further studies have also shown that the future depression is effectively prevented if those who are currently active athletes continue their PA habits and the inactive ones can benefit from the advantages of PA against depression as soon as they start it. From the point of view of health promotion, this study recommends that all the levels of PA could be promoted as an effective tool to prevent the probable depression. Such an approach can mitigate the hardship of disease and treatment. Consequently, the mass promotion of PA must be regarded as a solution for enhancing not only the mental health but also the physical health condition.