The Influence of Sports on Depression
- Raina Patel
- Jun 22, 2024
- 2 min read
While common symptoms of depression may include a loss of interest in daily activities and a persistent feeling of sadness, exercise can ease these symptoms and make a significant difference when it comes to improvement. There is no clear link between sports and depression, but exercising has proven to help overcome the symptoms of depression or anxiety and it also helps prevent depression from coming back once the symptoms have gone away. Not only does exercise aid in preventing depression, but it also improves many health problems such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, etc. Sports often calm the mind, strengthen muscles, and improve overall well-being. Because exercise has such a positive influence over depression, those struggling with this condition should learn to motivate themselves to become involved in sports.
There are several ways how exercise helps mitigate symptoms of depression and anxiety. First, sports release “feel-good” endorphins which are natural brain chemicals which improve one’s sense of well-being. Endorphins are known as the body’s “natural painkillers” which respond to a certain amount and type of stress or pain. Additionally, exercise takes the mind away from worries or stressful subjects that may be overwhelming to think about all at once. According to Mayo Clinic, “[this avoids] the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression and anxiety.”
Source: NPR
In addition to helping with depression and anxiety, exercise also has many mental health and mindset benefits as well. Many sports are group activities, which involves social interaction with other people of similar age and interest. Social skills can be useful in the future, especially as many occupations involve communicating with colleagues in a welcoming and positive manner. Moreover, sports can boost self-confidence, especially whether meeting exercise goals or challenges, or thriving in the new environment. Finally, exercise is a healthy coping strategy, as it is both a plus for physical health and as demonstrated, mental health. Instead of relying on other unhealthy activities to relieve the symptoms of depression/anxiety (such as excessive drinking, dwelling on feelings, or hoping it will go away and sitting around), exercise is something positive to get engaged with when struggling with mental health.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
As more and more people suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety become involved with sports, there is more data to show the relationship between the two. Oftentimes depression can make someone feel isolated from their community, and sports are the best way to reestablish those social connections. Sports or regular exercise is the best way to maintain physical health and regain strength within mental health to overcome obstacles such as depression.
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