A litany of medical journals from all corners of the Western World exists which chronicle the vast prescription of anti-depressants since the late '80s, and the serious emotional problems they have caused to a not insignificant percentage of the population.
No one denies that people can experience stressful problems in their lives and at times they can be mentally unstable. 20% circa of adults experience some form of Depression during their lives which usually occurs following a prolonged period of stress without experiencing many relaxing/enjoyable releases and/or favourable milestones, when their immune system and resistances are low.
Mental illness is part and parcel of life for many adults, either experiencing it, or evidencing someone else go through it. But many of those suffers should be able to recover and learn (from the experience) how better to fortify themself to recognise and handle future stressful encounters. Mental health care is therefore both valid and necessary. However, the emphasis needs to be more focused on workable mental healing methods that improve and strengthen individuals by restoring personal strength, mental competence and energy levels, Cognitive Skills, confidence, stability and responsibility. So that the person who suffered the bout believes he/she recovered largely due to their own faculties, and therefore importantly possesses the self-confidence that they can learn from the illness.
Michael Colling's recent book "The Other Side of Blue What we learn through overcoming adversity" highlights, by profiling 20 case studies, that at some point we all face tragedy, misfortune or hardship and that recovery is possible through the mind's natural restorative abilities, coupled with a strong support network
Patently a Recreational Exercise Activity where a depressed person can experience achieving Challenging, physical goals and receive positive vibes from their Common Bond Support Group which enhance self-esteem, is consistent with Gail Bell's and Rebekah Beddoe's experiences - Section 3.VI.(a)
.Merit exists in re-enforcing the brain's natural restorative capabilities which man had often relied upon up until the last scintilla in mans' evolution, to Empowering Adults To Better Control Their Stress Responses increasing natural stress management Coping Skills faculties.
Treatment needs to strengthen the depressed person in both mind and body. Traditional medications may be needed in the short term to settle and improve the patient’s emotions. However, a Rigorous Recreational Exercise Activity amidst a Common Bond Support Group will invariably strengthen both mind and body over the long term where the person believes they are mentally and physical tougher after having recovered from the temporary mental illness.
"Optimists are less likely to suffer from depression than are
pessimists, which could, in turn, affect their physical health. They may also
maintain a healthier lifestyle, paying more attention to their diet and exercise
habits."
A Recreational Road Cyclist, Bushwalker, Kayak Paddler, Ocean Swimmer etc doesn't have to read 15 pages of empirical evidence of the behavioural patterns of 6,958 adults over 40 years, or case studies of suffers of head, neck and thyroid cancers, to know that giving the body and brain a regular does of aerobic, Challenging exercise under a Common Bond Support Group elevates their esteem and better equips them to enjoy life more, live longer and better handle life's difficult problems that from time to time beset most of us. It is more difficult to be depressed if you are on top of the world from successful athletic achievement amidst like-minded friends.