Depression is not just a disease of the mind. Depression hurts the heart, too.
It is well known that major depressive disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Dysfunctional autonomic control of the cardiovascular system is likely one cause of this relationship, but the true cause-and-effect of the association with depression is unknown. Poor recovery after exercise is indicative of dysfunctional autonomic control, and, recently, the first study examining the relationship between depression and post-exercise recovery was published.
The study, published in Psychophysiology, subjected nearly 900 patients to an exercise stress test. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured at rest, peak exercise, 1 minute post-exercise, and 5 minutes post-exercise. Patients with a major depressive disorder had slower heart rate recovery than patients without depression, indicating slow parasympathetic recovery from exercise and dysfunctional autonomic control in depressed individuals.
A similar, but smaller, study also revealed that symptoms of depression were negatively correlated to heart rate recovery after exercise. Further, an extensive analysis of physical fitness in individuals with depression indicated that peak oxygen consumption, maximum workload, and individual anaerobic threshold were significantly decreased in depressed patients, indicative of poor overall fitness. In the same study, heart rate recovery was significantly prolonged in depressed individuals, again pointing to autonomic dysfunction and an elevated cardiac risk profile.
Depression has long been associated with an increased risk of death in patients with cardiovascular disease, but the mechanism has not been clearly defined. Many clinicians believe it is the high levels of inactivity, obesity, anxiety, and insomnia that contribute to poor cardiovascular health. But, these studies reveal that the association between depression and heart health are not solely attributable to such external factors.
The benefits of activity in depression are not in question; increased physical fitness alleviates symptoms of depression, and improves overall health and well-being. Just how much and how hard people with depression should exercise is debatable, but exercise programs to decrease the specific cardiovascular risks in these individuals should be encouraged.
It is well known that major depressive disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Dysfunctional autonomic control of the cardiovascular system is likely one cause of this relationship, but the true cause-and-effect of the association with depression is unknown. Poor recovery after exercise is indicative of dysfunctional autonomic control, and, recently, the first study examining the relationship between depression and post-exercise recovery was published.
The study, published in Psychophysiology, subjected nearly 900 patients to an exercise stress test. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured at rest, peak exercise, 1 minute post-exercise, and 5 minutes post-exercise. Patients with a major depressive disorder had slower heart rate recovery than patients without depression, indicating slow parasympathetic recovery from exercise and dysfunctional autonomic control in depressed individuals.
A similar, but smaller, study also revealed that symptoms of depression were negatively correlated to heart rate recovery after exercise. Further, an extensive analysis of physical fitness in individuals with depression indicated that peak oxygen consumption, maximum workload, and individual anaerobic threshold were significantly decreased in depressed patients, indicative of poor overall fitness. In the same study, heart rate recovery was significantly prolonged in depressed individuals, again pointing to autonomic dysfunction and an elevated cardiac risk profile.
Depression has long been associated with an increased risk of death in patients with cardiovascular disease, but the mechanism has not been clearly defined. Many clinicians believe it is the high levels of inactivity, obesity, anxiety, and insomnia that contribute to poor cardiovascular health. But, these studies reveal that the association between depression and heart health are not solely attributable to such external factors.
The benefits of activity in depression are not in question; increased physical fitness alleviates symptoms of depression, and improves overall health and well-being. Just how much and how hard people with depression should exercise is debatable, but exercise programs to decrease the specific cardiovascular risks in these individuals should be encouraged.
Strategies that may help with depression:
ReplyDeleteOnce you have been diagnosed with depression and you are beginning (or considering) some kind of treatment, it is important to have a variety of strategies to help you cope with everyday life.
Talking with a family member or friend about your feelings can often be helpful. Sometimes the people in your life may seem very busy and you might think that your feelings aren't important enough to take up their time, but they are! It's helpful to figure out when your family/friend is available so that you can ask them to set aside some time to talk with you.
Try to keep up with your daily activities, even when you don’t feel 100%. Be sure to include at least one thing each day that you enjoy, plus an activity that you already know helps you relax. Staying as close to a routine as possible is especially important if you are depressed.
Eating healthy foods and being active can help improve your mood. Try to get some kind of exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. Likewise, it is important to keep to a regular sleep schedule.
Keeping a journal about your feelings, drawing, and writing poetry are some ways you might like to express yourself. Often being able to express your feelings will improve how you feel.
Add some of your own strategies to the list:
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What else do I need to know?
Depression is more common than you think and most people who receive treatment for depression get better. Unfortunately, many people who are depressed don't seek help. Some people think that seeking treatment is a sign of weakness. Others are afraid to be seen as “crazy” for seeing a counselor or taking medication. Some people feel that their thoughts and feelings aren't important enough to concern others, or are none of anyone else’s business. Don't be one of these people! Depression is real and with help you can get better.
Remember that you are a worthwhile person who deserves to be heard and understood. Making the choice to get help is the first step to overcoming depression and being the best you can be! If you EVER feel that you might hurt yourself due to feeling depressed, TELL SOMEONE and go to the closest emergency room for help.