Author name: Kyle Riley

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global challenge, impacting life satisfaction more than more than debt, divorce, and diabetes and worsening associated health conditions including heart disease, anxiety, and cancer. Existing treatments like drugs and psychotherapy, while effective for some, are not for others, highlighting the need for additional evidence-based interventions.
Exercise can be a potential compliment or alternative to traditional treatments for MDD, offering not only mental health benefits, but improvements in physical and cognitive well-being. Over the years the research has been promising, and various psychological associations around the world now endorse exercise in clinical guidelines. However, these recommendations often lack clarity regarding the optimal exercise dose and modality.
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Regular exercise is an essential component of maintaining good physical health, but its benefits extend beyond physical fitness alone. Exercise has been linked to improved mental health, including reduced stress and depression symptoms, improved mood and quality of life, and better overall well-being. Currently, one in seven Australians experience depression in their lifetime and one quarter experience an anxiety condition, and although support-seeking appears to be growing at a rapid rate, it seems that exercise can be a cheap, accessible and effective component of treatment for people living with acute and chronic mental illness.

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