Mental Health and Mood Disorders In Australia – Know The Stats

WHAT MAY BE HELPFUL IN DEPRESSION?

Evidence for the Benefits of Exercise in Managing Depression

• Regular exercise can be an effective way to relieve some forms of depression and is often a neglected strategy in the management of depression.
• Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who do not exercise regularly
• Several trials have shown that regular exercise of moderate intensity can be an effective adjunctive treatment by itself for both melancholic and non-melancholic depression
• Two trials have found that 16 weeks of regular exercise is equally effective as antidepressant medication in the treatment of mild to moderate depression
• Research also suggests that exercise can further assist depression in individuals with depression who have only partially responded to an antidepressant medication
• Both aerobic exercise (e.g. brisk walking, cycling or jogging) and resistance or strength training (e.g. weight-lifting) have been found to be helpful in treating depression

Omega 3 May Have An Impact On Your Mood

• There are several lines of evidence that suggest that omega-3 consumption may be associated with mood disorders. Research suggests that omega-3 is related to a number of biological processes that have been found to be associated with brain functioning.
• Omega -3 concentrations influence the production of ‘neurotrophic (or neuroprotective) factors’ which regulate the growth of new brain cells
• Omega-3 concentrations can affect gene expression in the brain
• Omega-3 and omega-6 are both metabolised by the same pool of enzymes. Some of the products of omega-3 metabolism are anti-inflammatory, while the products of omega-6 metabolism are pro-inflammatory; increased inflammatory processes have been found to be associated with both depression and other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease
• DHA is a major structural component of the brain and the ratio of DHA to omega-6 and other fats in the brain affects the ability of the brain cells to communicate with each other
• Full Black Dog Institute Fact Sheet found HERE

Establish a Good Support Network

• If you are worried that someone is depressed or has bipolar disorder, try talking to them about it in a supportive manner and suggest that they see a mental health professional
• If they don’t want to seek help, explain the reasons for concern and perhaps provide them with some relevant information
• Young people are particularly vulnerable to depression
• Patience, care and encouragement from others are all vital to the person who is depressed
• If a loved one talks of suicide, encourage them to seek help immediately from a mental health professional
• Depression can take a toll on carers and close family members – it is important for these people to take care of themselves as well

*Statistics and suggestions direct from the Black Dog Institue Website www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Where to Get More Information

The Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Hospital Road, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick NSW 2031
(02) 9382 4530 Email: [email protected]
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au