Exercise for the treatment of depression

According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people worldwide have depression.1 When individuals recover from a major depressive episode, they have a high probability of relapse, and in some cases a tendency towards chronicity.2 Depression results in a considerable deterioration in quality of life for affected individuals and their families.3 Globally, more than 700 000 people die by suicide each year,1 and mortality from other physical illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer increases by 50% when those affected have depression.4 Individuals with depression can face difficulties finding employment, and among those who are employed, depression is associated with reduced productivity, higher rates of absenteeism, and an increased risk of job loss.5 All this emotional, quality of life, work related, and economic impact affects individuals and their families, as well as the efficiency of health services, businesses, and society in general. Moreover, this effect increased …