This is your Member Reference Number (MRN). You’ll need to provide this when you make an appointment with an MAP counselor or contact your MAP by phone.

Anthem provides automatic translation into multiple languages, courtesy of Google Translate. This tool is provided for your convenience only. The English language version is considered the most accurate, and in the event of a discrepancy between the translations, the English version will prevail. This translation tool is not controlled by Anthem, and the Anthem Privacy Statement will not apply. Please read Google's privacy statement. If you want Google to translate the Anthem website, select a language.

Benefits with Maine Education Association Benefits Trust

Your MAP offers these great resources.

Now Playing

Exercise and Depression

  • Dr. Richard D. Flanagan
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Health
  • Podcasts

Exercise and Depression

Exercise can help lift you out of depression. By Dr. Richard D. Flanagan. This audio file plays for 1 minute and 52 seconds.

You can also

Download

View transcript

If you are feeling down exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do, especially if you are suffering from depression. More than 17 million Americans are diagnosed with clinical depression, so you are certainly not alone. The good news is that the combined results of more than 35 scientific studies show that people who exercise as part of their depression treatment plan show even more improvement than those who just take antidepressant medication alone.

Here are some things you should know about the exercise and depression connection:

Most antidepressants work by effecting the body's serotonin levels. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers in your brain, regulating your mood, appetite, and ability to get a good night's sleep. During aerobic exercise serotonin is released in your brain. This is one of the most important reasons exercise is considered your body's natural defense against depression.

Exercise also releases natural morphine like chemicals in your brain, called endorphins, which boost your mood and lift your spirits. Endorphins create that elated feeling after a good workout, often referred to as a runner's high.

Finally, exercise can give you the time to focus your thoughts without those bothersome interruptions we all endure. A long walk provides the opportunity to think things through. So lace up your sneakers and lift up your frame of mind. Don't forget, it's best to get the go ahead from your doctor before beginning any exercise program. And remember, it doesn't matter what type of aerobic exercise you do - walking, running, biking, swimming - just make sure to get your heart rate up and keep moving for at least 20 minutes. As long as you exercise three or more times a week, you'll be on your way to shaping up both your body and your mood.

I am Dr. Richard Flanagan.

Save the bumblebees

More about this Topics

  • Recognizing an eating disorder

  • Sleep Difficulties

  • Beyond the Baby Blues

  • Pinpointing Your Sleep Problem

  • Caring for a loved one with autism

Other Topics

    • Winter Blues
    • Managing holiday stress
    • Daily Relaxation Tools
    • Don't Worry, Breathe Happy
    • Recognizing depression
    • Coping with Trauma: How Families Can Be Supportive
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control
    • How to Relax: The Mind-Body Connection
    • Maintain a Healthy State of Mind: Parents and Caregivers (Part 1)
    • Pervasive Developmental Disorders
    • Regaining Connectivity, Certainty, and Control (International Stress Awareness Day 2021)
    • Identifying Signs of Addiction in a Loved One
    • Creating Hope Through Action (World Suicide Prevention Day 2022)
    • Supporting Your Child at a Time of Conflict and Crisis (Texas School Shooting)
    • Better Relations between Men and Women (International Men's Day)

More about this Topics

  • Recognizing an eating disorder

  • Sleep Difficulties

  • Beyond the Baby Blues

  • Pinpointing Your Sleep Problem

  • Caring for a loved one with autism

Other Topics

    • Winter Blues
    • Managing holiday stress
    • Daily Relaxation Tools
    • Don't Worry, Breathe Happy
    • Recognizing depression
    • Coping with Trauma: How Families Can Be Supportive
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control
    • How to Relax: The Mind-Body Connection
    • Maintain a Healthy State of Mind: Parents and Caregivers (Part 1)
    • Pervasive Developmental Disorders
    • Regaining Connectivity, Certainty, and Control (International Stress Awareness Day 2021)
    • Identifying Signs of Addiction in a Loved One
    • Creating Hope Through Action (World Suicide Prevention Day 2022)
    • Supporting Your Child at a Time of Conflict and Crisis (Texas School Shooting)
    • Better Relations between Men and Women (International Men's Day)