Can Exercise Replace Antidepressants? What Studies Are Saying

Many
people
have
long
known
that
physical
activity
can
boost
mood,
but
studies
are
now
showing
that
it
may
do
far
more
than
just
lift
one’s
spirits
after
a
workout.
For
millions
of
individuals
facing
mental
health
challenges,
especially
anxiety
and
depression,
exercise
is
emerging
as
a
viable
treatment
option.

As
the
mental
health
crisis
continues
to
affect
millions
worldwide,
people
are
looking
for
ways
to
address
their
struggles
without
relying
solely
on
medication.

In
this
article,
we
explore
what
recent
studies
are
revealing
about
the
power
of
exercise
in
mental
health
and
ask
whether
it
could
replace
antidepressants
for
those
in
need
of
an
alternative
approach.

1.
The
Growing
Evidence

A
major
meta-analysis
of
97
studies,
published
in

BJSM
Sports
Medicine,
analyzed
over
128,000
participants
and
found
that
physical
activity
is
more
effective
than
medication
or
therapy
in
treating
mild
to
moderate
depression
and
anxiety.

This
research
demonstrated
that
exercise
is
1.5
times
more
effective
than
traditional
therapies
like
cognitive
behavior
therapy
or
medications,
especially
for
individuals
facing
depression.

The
findings
show
that
exercise
produces
endorphins
and
neurotrophic
factors,
which
improve
brain
function
and
support
mood
regulation.
For
example,
it
helps
promote
growth
in
the
hippocampus,
a
region
of
the
brain
linked
to
mood
regulation,
which
often
shrinks
in
people
suffering
from
depression.

Additionally,

cognitive
health
solutions
stress
the
value
of
combining
exercise
with
mental
health
treatments.
Integrating
exercise
with
approaches
like
mindfulness
and
cognitive
strategies
can
provide
even
stronger
outcomes
in
managing
depression
and
anxiety.

2.
How
It
Compares
to
Antidepressants

What
makes
physical
activity
stand
out
is
its
ability
to
provide
immediate
and
long-term
benefits
without
the
side
effects
often
associated
with
medications.
Research
from
the
National
Institute
of
Mental
Health
confirms
that
regular
exercise
stimulates
the
production
of
neurotransmitters
like

serotonin
and
dopamine,
the
same
chemicals
targeted
by
antidepressants.

For
many
individuals,
exercise
provides
a
more
sustainable
and
natural
option
compared
to
medications.
It
offers
a
way
to
improve
mental
health
without
relying
solely
on
pharmaceutical
treatments,
which
may
not
work
for
everyone.

However,
it
is
important
to
recognize
that
for
individuals
with
severe
depression
or
complex
mental
health
conditions,
combining
exercise
with
antidepressants
or
therapy
may
still
be
the
most
effective
approach.

3.
Why
It
Works
for
Mental
Health

The
reasons
why
physical
activity
improves
mental
health
are
rooted
in
both
physiological
and
psychological
changes
it
triggers
in
the
body.

Biological
Changes

• 
  Endorphin
  Release:
  Physical
  activity
  stimulates
  the
  production
  of
  endorphins,
  the
  body’s
  natural
  “feel-good”
  chemicals.
  These
  neurotransmitters
  work
  by
  reducing
  pain
  perception
  and
  enhancing
  mood,
  giving
  individuals
  a
  sense
  of
  well-being
  often
  referred
  to
  as
  the
  “runner’s
  high.”
• 
  Neurotrophic
  Factors:
  Exercise
  promotes
  the
  production
  of
  brain-derived
  neurotrophic
  factor
  (BDNF),
  which
  supports
  the
  growth
  of
  new
  brain
  cells
  and
  strengthens
  the
  existing
  connections.
  This
  is
  crucial
  in
  counteracting
  the
  brain
  shrinkage
  often
  seen
  in
  individuals
  with
  depression
  and
  anxiety,
  especially
  in
  the
  hippocampus,
  which
  is
  responsible
  for
  regulating
  mood
  and
  stress
  responses.
• 
  
  Hormonal
  Balance:
  Exercise
  helps
  to
  regulate
  hormones
  such
  as
  cortisol,
  which
  is
  associated
  with
  stress.
  Physical
  activity
  can
  reduce
  excess
  cortisol
  levels,
  which
  often
  contribute
  to
  anxiety
  and
  mood
  disorders.

Psychological
Mechanisms
at
Play

• 
  Improved
  Self-Esteem:
  Regular
  exercise
  helps
  people
  feel
  more
  capable,
  increasing
  self-esteem
  and
  confidence.
  Achieving
  fitness
  goals,
  whether
  it’s
  running
  a
  mile
  or
  lifting
  a
  certain
  weight,
  can
  create
  a
  sense
  of
  accomplishment
  that
  counteracts
  feelings
  of
  helplessness
  commonly
  associated
  with
  depression.
• 
  Stress
  Reduction:
  Physical
  activity
  serves
  as
  a
  natural
  stress
  reliever.
  Exercise
  helps
  the
  body
  manage
  stress
  better
  by
  improving
  the
  body’s
  ability
  to
  regulate
  the
  stress
  response.
  It
  helps
  lower
  overall
  stress
  levels,
  reducing
  feelings
  of
  anxiety.
• 
  Cognitive
  Distraction:
  Engaging
  in
  physical
  activities
  provides
  a
  mental
  break
  from
  negative
  thoughts
  and
  worries.
  Exercise
  acts
  as
  a
  distraction,
  giving
  the
  mind
  a
  chance
  to
  focus
  on
  the
  task
  at
  hand
  and
  allowing
  individuals
  to
  “reset”
  emotionally.

Long-Term
Mental
Health
Benefits

Building
more
than
muscle—building
resilience,
confidence,
and
a
legacy.
🔥

#LiftHeavyLiveStrong

#StrengthQueen

pic.twitter.com/amoB32mLLk

—
Alana
(@LanaLadyLifter)

November
18,
2024

• 
  Building
  Resilience:
  Exercise
  helps
  individuals
  build
  mental
  resilience
  over
  time.
  Just
  as
  the
  body
  strengthens
  through
  physical
  activity,
  the
  mind
  adapts
  and
  grows
  stronger,
  making
  it
  better
  able
  to
  cope
  with
  stress
  and
  challenges.
• 
  Improved
  Sleep:
  Regular
  physical
  activity
  can
  lead
  to
  improved
  sleep
  patterns,
  which
  is
  vital
  for
  maintaining
  mental
  health.
  Good
  sleep
  enhances
  cognitive
  function,
  emotional
  regulation,
  and
  overall
  mood.
• 
  Social
  Interaction:
  Participating
  in
  
  group
  exercises
  or
  sports
  provides
  social
  interaction,
  which
  is
  important
  for
  combating
  loneliness
  and
  building
  a
  support
  system.
  Social
  connections
  are
  essential
  for
  mental
  well-being.

Types
That
Work
Best
for
Mental
Health

• 
  Aerobic:
  Activities
  like
  walking,
  jogging,
  swimming,
  or
  cycling
  are
  especially
  effective
  in
  reducing
  anxiety
  and
  depression.
  
  Aerobic
  increases
  heart
  rate,
  which
  can
  improve
  circulation
  and
  brain
  function.
• 
  Strength
  Training:
  Resistance
  practices
  such
  as
  weightlifting
  have
  shown
  benefits
  for
  improving
  mood
  and
  mental
  focus.
  These
  help
  build
  physical
  strength
  while
  also
  enhancing
  confidence
  and
  reducing
  stress.
• 
  Mind-Body:
  Practices
  like
  yoga
  and
  tai
  chi
  combine
  physical
  movement
  with
  breathing
  exercises
  and
  mindfulness,
  promoting
  relaxation
  and
  mental
  clarity.

How
to
Start
a
Routine
for
Mental
Health?

• 
  Start
  Small:
  Begin
  with
  low-intensity
  activities
  and
  gradually
  increase
  the
  duration
  or
  intensity
  over
  time.
  Even
  a
  short
  walk
  each
  day
  can
  make
  a
  significant
  difference.
• 
  Set
  Achievable
  Goals:
  Setting
  small,
  attainable
  fitness
  goals
  can
  help
  build
  momentum
  and
  keep
  motivation
  high.
• 
  Consistency
  Is
  Key:
  Like
  any
  form
  of
  treatment,
  consistency
  is
  important.
  Incorporating
  exercise
  into
  your
  daily
  routine
  can
  create
  lasting
  mental
  health
  benefits.

4.
The
Science
of
Exercise
and
Mood
Boosting

The
physical
activity
triggers
biochemical
processes
that
help
the
brain
regulate
emotions,
reduce
stress,
and
improve
overall
well-being.

Here
are
the
key
ways
exercise
works
scientifically
to
improve
mood
and
combat
mental
health
challenges.

Neurotransmitters:

The
Brain’s
“Feel-Good”
Chemicals

Endorphins:
Often
called
the
body’s
natural
painkillers,
endorphins
are
chemicals
produced
during
physical
activity.
They
are
responsible
for
creating
the
“runner’s
high”
feeling,
reducing
pain
perception,
and
enhancing
feelings
of
happiness
and
well-being.

Serotonin:
Exercise
helps
increase
serotonin
levels,
a
neurotransmitter
directly
involved
in
regulating
mood,
sleep,
and
appetite.
Higher
serotonin
levels
are
linked
to
reduced
symptoms
of
depression
and
anxiety.

Dopamine:
Known
as
the
“reward”
neurotransmitter,
dopamine
is
released
during
physical
activity.
It
plays
a
critical
role
in
motivation,
pleasure,
and
mood
regulation.
By
enhancing
dopamine
production,
exercise
boosts
overall
mood
and
reduces
feelings
of
stress
and
sadness.

Brain
Changes
Induced
by
Physical
Activity

• 
  Brain-Derived
  Neurotrophic
  Factor
  (BDNF):
  One
  of
  the
  most
  significant
  effects
  of
  exercise
  is
  the
  increase
  in
  BDNF,
  a
  protein
  that
  supports
  the
  growth
  and
  development
  of
  new
  neurons
  in
  the
  brain.
  Studies
  have
  shown
  that
  higher
  levels
  of
  BDNF
  are
  linked
  to
  improved
  cognitive
  function,
  better
  memory,
  and
  a
  decrease
  in
  depressive
  symptoms.
• 
  Neurogenesis:
  Exercise
  stimulates
  neurogenesis,
  the
  creation
  of
  new
  brain
  cells.
  This
  is
  particularly
  important
  in
  areas
  of
  the
  brain
  involved
  in
  mood
  regulation,
  such
  as
  the
  hippocampus,
  which
  often
  shrinks
  in
  individuals
  with
  depression.
  Regular
  physical
  activity
  can
  help
  restore
  the
  volume
  of
  the
  hippocampus
  and
  improve
  overall
  brain
  health.
  Impact
  on
  the
  Stress
  Response
  System
• 
  Cortisol
  
  Regulation:
  Cortisol
  is
  known
  as
  the
  “stress
  hormone.”
  High
  levels
  of
  cortisol
  are
  typically
  associated
  with
  anxiety
  and
  depression.
  Exercise
  helps
  regulate
  cortisol
  levels,
  making
  the
  body
  better
  equipped
  to
  handle
  stress.
  Regular
  physical
  activity
  decreases
  cortisol
  levels
  over
  time,
  leading
  to
  reduced
  anxiety
  and
  better
  mood
  regulation.
• 
  Autonomic
  Nervous
  System
  Balance:
  Exercise
  helps
  balance
  the
  autonomic
  nervous
  system,
  which
  controls
  the
  body’s
  stress
  response.

Works
as
a
Cognitive
Enhancer

• 
  Improved
  Focus
  and
  Attention:
  Physical
  activity
  increases
  blood
  flow
  to
  the
  brain,
  improving
  cognitive
  function
  and
  mental
  clarity.
  This
  helps
  people
  feel
  sharper,
  more
  focused,
  and
  less
  overwhelmed
  by
  negative
  thoughts.
• 
  
  Better
  Sleep:
  Regular
  exercise
  improves
  the
  quality
  of
  sleep,
  which
  is
  essential
  for
  mental
  health.
  Adequate
  rest
  enhances
  mood,
  cognitive
  function,
  and
  emotional
  regulation,
  making
  exercise
  a
  key
  component
  of
  a
  healthy
  sleep
  routine.

The
Role
in
Managing
Chronic
Stress

• 
  Burning
  Off
  Stress:
  Physical
  activity
  helps
  “burn
  off”
  stress
  by
  lowering
  the
  physical
  manifestations
  of
  anxiety,
  such
  as
  muscle
  tension,
  heart
  rate,
  and
  shallow
  breathing.
  This
  helps
  release
  built-up
  tension
  and
  promotes
  feelings
  of
  relaxation.
• 
  Social
  Interaction:
  Group
  exercise
  activities,
  whether
  in
  a
  gym
  or
  in
  outdoor
  settings,
  provide
  opportunities
  for
  social
  interaction.
  Building
  a
  supportive
  social
  network
  is
  important
  for
  reducing
  feelings
  of
  isolation
  and
  improving
  mental
  health.

5.
Can
It
Be
an
Effective
First-Line
Treatment?

While
medication
and
therapy
have
long
been
the
go-to
approaches,
the
evidence
supporting
exercise
as
a
primary
treatment
is
becoming
stronger.

As
a
Primary
Treatment
Option

• 
  Comparable
  to
  Medication:
  Studies
  show
  that
  exercise
  can
  be
  just
  as
  effective
  as
  medication
  for
  treating
  mild
  to
  moderate
  depression.
  In
  some
  cases,
  the
  benefits
  of
  exercise
  may
  even
  exceed
  those
  of
  antidepressant
  medications,
  particularly
  when
  it
  comes
  to
  reducing
  side
  effects
  and
  promoting
  overall
  well-being.
• 
  Lower
  Side
  Effects:
  Unlike
  
  antidepressants,
  which
  may
  come
  with
  a
  range
  of
  side
  effects
  like
  weight
  gain,
  sleep
  disturbances,
  or
  sexual
  dysfunction,
  exercise
  offers
  a
  natural
  alternative
  without
  these
  drawbacks.
  The
  physical
  and
  psychological
  benefits
  of
  exercise
  can
  significantly
  reduce
  the
  need
  for
  pharmaceuticals
  in
  managing
  mental
  health.
• 
  Long-Term
  Benefits:
  Unlike
  medications,
  which
  may
  need
  to
  be
  taken
  daily
  and
  may
  lose
  their
  effectiveness
  over
  time,
  exercise
  provides
  lasting
  mental
  health
  benefits
  when
  practiced
  consistently.
  Regular
  physical
  activity
  not
  only
  improves
  mood
  and
  energy
  levels
  in
  the
  short
  term
  but
  also
  helps
  to
  build
  resilience
  to
  stress
  over
  time.

Reducing
Anxiety

Immediate
Stress
Relief

One
of
the
most
immediate
benefits
of
exercise
is
its
ability
to
reduce
anxiety.

It
also
helps
to
regulate
the
autonomic
nervous
system,
promoting
a
calmer
state
and
reducing
the
fight-or-flight
response.

Cognitive
Distraction

Exercise
can
act
as
a
distraction,

shifting
focus
away
from
anxious
thoughts
and
allowing
individuals
to
break
the
cycle
of
worry.

Engaging
in
physical
activity
provides
a
mental
break,
allowing
the
mind
to
reset,
which
is
crucial
for
those
struggling
with
persistent
anxiety.

Controlled
Breathing

Activities
like
yoga,

swimming,
and
running
encourage
controlled
breathing,
which
can
reduce
the
physical
symptoms
of
anxiety
such
as
rapid
heart
rate
and
shallow
breathing.

Deep,
rhythmic
breathing
during
exercise
triggers
the
parasympathetic
nervous
system,
which
is
responsible
for
relaxation.

Alleviating
Depression

Mood
Enhancement

Regular
exercise
increases
levels
of
neurotransmitters
like
serotonin
and
dopamine,
which
are
critical
for
mood
regulation.
These
chemicals
help
alleviate
depressive
symptoms
by
improving
mood
and
increasing
energy
levels.

Research
has
shown
that
exercise
is
capable
of
lifting
mood
almost
immediately
and
can
have
lasting
effects
over
time.

Increased
Energy
and
Motivation

Engaging
in
physical
activity,
even
in
small
doses,
can
help
reverse
this
by
increasing
energy
levels
and
creating
a
sense
of
accomplishment.

As
people
begin
to
see
improvements
in
their
physical
health,
it
also
encourages
a
positive
shift
in
mental
health.

Neuroplasticity
and
Brain
Health

Exercise
supports
brain
health
by
promoting
neuroplasticity—the
brain’s
ability
to
form
new
neural
connections.
This
is
particularly
important
for
individuals
with
depression,
as
depression
is
often
linked
to
changes
in
brain
structure
and
function.

Exercise
helps
reverse
some
of
these
effects,
particularly
in
areas
of
the
brain
associated
with
mood
regulation,
such
as
the
hippocampus.

Different
Types
and
Their
Mental
Health
Benefits

Not
all
exercises
are
created
equal
when
it
comes
to
mental
health,
and
understanding
which
types
of
physical
activity
provide
the
most
benefits
is
essential.

Each
form
of
exercise
can
have
a
unique
impact
on
the
brain
and
body,
targeting
different
aspects
of
mental
health.

• 
  Aerobic:
  Boosting
  Mood
  and
  Reducing
  Stress
• 
  Walking
  
  and
  
  Jogging:
  Simple
  but
  effective,
  walking
  and
  jogging
  are
  among
  the
  most
  accessible
  forms
  of
  aerobic
  exercise.
  Studies
  show
  that
  even
  low-impact
  activities
  like
  walking
  for
  30
  minutes
  a
  day
  can
  significantly
  reduce
  symptoms
  of
  depression
  and
  anxiety.
  The
  rhythmic
  movement
  helps
  calm
  the
  mind,
  while
  boosting
  serotonin
  levels
  and
  enhancing
  mood.
• 
  
  Cycling:
  Whether
  indoors
  on
  a
  stationary
  bike
  or
  outdoors,
  cycling
  provides
  excellent
  cardiovascular
  benefits
  while
  releasing
  endorphins
  that
  improve
  mood.
  It
  also
  allows
  for
  mental
  focus
  on
  the
  ride,
  providing
  a
  distraction
  from
  negative
  thoughts.
• 
  Swimming:
  The
  combination
  of
  rhythmic
  movement
  and
  immersion
  in
  water
  can
  be
  particularly
  soothing
  for
  individuals
  with
  anxiety
  or
  stress.
  Swimming
  has
  been
  shown
  to
  lower
  cortisol
  levels,
  reduce
  tension,
  and
  promote
  relaxation.

Strength
Training:
Building
Confidence
and
Emotional
Resilience

• 
  
  Weightlifting:
  Strength
  training
  can
  have
  a
  significant
  impact
  on
  mental
  health,
  not
  just
  by
  building
  physical
  strength,
  but
  also
  by
  improving
  mood
  and
  reducing
  symptoms
  of
  anxiety.
  Research
  has
  found
  that
  resistance
  training
  helps
  elevate
  dopamine
  and
  serotonin
  levels,
  boosting
  mood
  and
  energy.
• 
  Bodyweight
  
  Exercises:
  Push-ups,
  squats,
  lunges,
  and
  other
  bodyweight
  exercises
  provide
  an
  excellent
  way
  to
  build
  strength
  without
  needing
  any
  equipment.
  They
  also
  improve
  self-esteem
  by
  creating
  a
  sense
  of
  achievement
  as
  individuals
  track
  progress
  in
  their
  physical
  capabilities.

Yoga
and
Mind-Body:
Enhancing
Relaxation
and
Focus

• 
  
  Yoga:
  One
  of
  the
  most
  effective
  mind-body
  exercises,
  yoga
  combines
  controlled
  breathing
  with
  physical
  movement
  to
  promote
  relaxation
  and
  reduce
  stress.
  Research
  consistently
  shows
  that
  yoga
  lowers
  levels
  of
  anxiety,
  depression,
  and
  stress.
  It
  also
  improves
  focus
  and
  self-awareness,
  helping
  people
  manage
  their
  mental
  state
  more
  effectively.
• 
  Tai
  Chi:
  Similar
  to
  yoga,
  Tai
  Chi
  is
  a
  slow,
  deliberate
  practice
  that
  combines
  movement
  with
  deep
  breathing.
  It
  is
  particularly
  effective
  for
  reducing
  stress
  and
  anxiety,
  providing
  a
  gentle
  yet
  powerful
  way
  to
  enhance
  mental
  health.
  The
  meditative
  movements
  also
  foster
  a
  sense
  of
  mindfulness,
  which
  can
  help
  individuals
  stay
  grounded
  in
  the
  present
  moment.
• 
  High-Intensity
  
  Interval
  
  Training
  (HIIT):
  Quick
  and
  Effective
  Mood
  Boost
• 
  HIIT:
  High-intensity
  interval
  training
  involves
  short
  bursts
  of
  intense
  exercise
  followed
  by
  rest
  periods.
  Although
  HIIT
  may
  seem
  daunting,
  it
  has
  been
  shown
  to
  have
  significant
  mental
  health
  benefits
  in
  a
  short
  amount
  of
  time.
  It
  can
  help
  reduce
  symptoms
  of
  anxiety
  and
  depression,
  improve
  mood,
  and
  boost
  energy
  levels.
  The
  intensity
  of
  the
  exercise
  releases
  a
  surge
  of
  endorphins,
  providing
  a
  quick
  mental
  lift.
• 
  Boxing
  
  and
  Kickboxing:
  These
  high-intensity
  workouts
  not
  only
  provide
  a
  great
  cardiovascular
  workout
  but
  also
  release
  tension
  and
  stress.
  The
  physical
  exertion
  and
  focus
  required
  in
  boxing
  and
  kickboxing
  can
  provide
  a
  much-needed
  emotional
  release,
  leaving
  participants
  feeling
  empowered
  and
  less
  anxious.

Outdoor
and
Nature-Based:
Reconnecting
with
the
Environment

• 
  Hiking:
  Spending
  time
  in
  nature
  while
  engaging
  in
  physical
  activity
  offers
  unique
  mental
  health
  benefits.
  Hiking
  in
  natural
  settings
  has
  been
  shown
  to
  reduce
  stress,
  improve
  mood,
  and
  increase
  energy.
  The
  calming
  effects
  of
  nature,
  combined
  with
  the
  physical
  activity,
  create
  an
  ideal
  setting
  for
  mental
  restoration.
• 
  Gardening:
  Gardening
  is
  a
  less
  conventional
  form
  of
  exercise,
  but
  it
  offers
  significant
  mental
  health
  benefits.
  Research
  has
  shown
  that
  gardening
  can
  reduce
  stress,
  boost
  mood,
  and
  increase
  feelings
  of
  well-being.
  It
  also
  offers
  an
  opportunity
  for
  social
  interaction
  when
  done
  in
  community
  settings.

Team
Sports
and
Group
Activities:
Building
Community
and
Connection

• 
  Group
  Classes:
  Participating
  in
  group
  fitness
  classes,
  such
  as
  Zumba,
  cycling,
  or
  circuit
  training,
  provides
  both
  physical
  and
  social
  benefits.
  Exercise
  in
  a
  group
  setting
  fosters
  a
  sense
  of
  camaraderie,
  helping
  people
  feel
  supported
  and
  less
  isolated.
  The
  social
  aspect
  of
  group
  classes
  can
  also
  improve
  emotional
  well-being,
  as
  individuals
  build
  connections
  with
  others.
• 
  Team
  Sports:
  Whether
  it’s
  basketball,
  soccer,
  or
  volleyball,
  team
  sports
  promote
  collaboration
  and
  community.
  Playing
  on
  a
  team
  encourages
  social
  interaction,
  improves
  self-esteem,
  and
  provides
  an
  outlet
  for
  stress
  and
  frustration.
  The
  structure
  and
  discipline
  of
  team
  sports
  also
  provide
  a
  sense
  of
  purpose,
  which
  can
  help
  alleviate
  feelings
  of
  depression.

Conclusion

Exercise
has
proven
to
be
a
powerful
tool
for
improving
mental
health,
offering
benefits
that
extend
beyond
just
physical
fitness.
As
research
continues
to
demonstrate,
physical
activity
can
play
a
key
role
in
managing
conditions
like
depression
and
anxiety,
often
providing
effects
comparable
to
or
even
exceeding
traditional
treatments
like
medication
and
therapy.

Whether
through
boosting
mood
with
endorphins,
improving
brain
function
with
neurotrophic
factors,
or
reducing
stress
with
the
regulation
of
cortisol,
exercise
helps
individuals
build
resilience
and
foster
long-term
emotional
well-being.

While
exercise
is
not
a
one-size-fits-all
solution
and
may
not
fully
replace
medication
for
those
with
severe
mental
health
conditions,
it
serves
as
an
effective,
natural
complement
to
other
treatments.
The
growing
body
of
evidence
supports
its
inclusion
as
a
first-line
treatment
for
those
dealing
with
mild
to
moderate
mental
health
challenges.