* Every day, 25,000 people see their GP with a psychological problem.
* 16.7% of the population suffer from Depression and Anxiety at any one time.
* In 2005, 27.7 million antidepressant prescriptions were written in England, costing £338 million.
* The cost of depression in lost economic output is £12 billion a year33.
* There is doubt whether most anti depressants are any better than Placebo.34
The Chief Medical Officer states that ‘Physical activity is effective in the treatment of clinical depression and can be as successful as psychotherapy or medication’ii.
NICE recommends that patients with mild depression follow a structured and supervised exercise programme of up to three sessions per week of moderate duration (45 minutes to one hour) for between 10 and 12 weeks. Walking might contribute to this type of regime35.
Walking can improve self-esteem, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve mood36. There is an inverse relationship between daily walking and the reporting of depressive symptoms37. Shorter bouts (10-15 minutes) of brisk walking can induce significant positive changes in mood.
* 16.7% of the population suffer from Depression and Anxiety at any one time.
* In 2005, 27.7 million antidepressant prescriptions were written in England, costing £338 million.
* The cost of depression in lost economic output is £12 billion a year33.
* There is doubt whether most anti depressants are any better than Placebo.34
The Chief Medical Officer states that ‘Physical activity is effective in the treatment of clinical depression and can be as successful as psychotherapy or medication’ii.
NICE recommends that patients with mild depression follow a structured and supervised exercise programme of up to three sessions per week of moderate duration (45 minutes to one hour) for between 10 and 12 weeks. Walking might contribute to this type of regime35.
Walking can improve self-esteem, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve mood36. There is an inverse relationship between daily walking and the reporting of depressive symptoms37. Shorter bouts (10-15 minutes) of brisk walking can induce significant positive changes in mood.