Exercise is as effective as medication in treating depression, study finds

[Kaido]

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/12/nx-s1-5667599/exercise-is-as-effective-as-medication-in-treating-depression-study-finds

As part of a review of evidence by the Cochrane collaboration — an independent network of researchers — scientists evaluated 73 randomized controlled trials that included about 5,000 people with depression, many of whom also tried antidepressant medication.

"We found that exercise was as effective as pharmacological treatments or psychological therapies as well," says Andrew Clegg, a professor at the University of Lancashire in the U.K.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/12/nx-s1-5667599/exercise-is-as-effective-as-medication-in-treating-depression-study-finds

I always swear by the simple assumption. Even so, I popped a Xanax a couple nights past, and I know I had a reason. I just don't remember the reason.

My biggest anxiety arises from a sense of being alone. For now, it is comforting that I have my "cousin-in-law" as guest in the house sharing the monthly utility bills. It's working out pretty well.

But the holidays extending into the present of late January have brought a crisis of worry about my brother, who is now recovering fully from the septic liver abscess that might have killed him. Two other friends took their spouses to the ER or ICU. My friend in Virginia got has wife back in pretty good shape: she sounded feisty and lively during my last phone conversation with my friend. But my friend in Las Vegas had a roller-coaster situation with his wife, until finally about a week ago, she was back in the hospital with COVID and pneumonia, and she died a week ago Sunday. Bill is handling it well, but I know what he's going through.

So, people are dying among my immediate associates and family. I have many chores and projects, but I aim to get down to the senior center and make attempts to acquire new friends.

Meanwhile, if I don't walk my daily mile, there can be depression, and my mind wanders into worry about the uncertain future.

 

[nakedfrog]

I think this is the heart of it:

"It's much easier for a primary care physician to prescribe medication to a patient. You just write it on a pad," Fabiano says. It's harder to prescribe exercise, which takes time and effort and can be difficult to start for people who are depressed.

Fabiano says exercise can work best as part of a combination of treatments. "We can start someone on an antidepressant — maybe that improves their mood, and they're able to engage in therapy. And from there, maybe now they're more interested in starting some of these lifestyle habits like exercise," Fabiano says."

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I guess I didn't mention Xanax -- Alprazolam. I still have half my prescription bottle and that of my departed Moms. I take one when I feel both anxious and depressed. It works.

But the exercise assures me of a happier day in its remainder.