Is exercise really effective against depression in your opinion?

I have to agree that exercise is helpful on several levels. For one thing, by exercising, you strengthen the body which has benefits of its own. You lose weight, build muscle, improve your posture, and generally look better. Then you have the mental aspect of exercise. You release endorphins by exercising and so you feel better as a result.

Exercise is effective against depression, but I don't recommend it as a cure-all. It is a tool; one of many that I use to combat depression. Source(s): Survivor of depression.

It is helpful for depression, but not enough to cure depression. Medications are needed for depression because it is a chemical imballance in the brain.
Exercise has many benefits both mental and physical. In mild cases of depression I believe that exercise can play an important role in your pursuit of wellness. A lot of people who exercise feel better in general and about themselves after exercising. Also, exercise may give you some needed self-meditation time to think things through or simply not think much at all. In my mind, physical activity is important for the wellness of everybody. I can't see a reason why exercise would ever be a negative thing in a battling depression (so long as there is no injury, etc.) so hit the gym!
Yes, with a catch.
I have Internal depression, which is depression that comes around regardless of my situation. While exercise helps, it will not cure Internal depression.
For External depression, that is, depression that one gets if you loose a pet or your job, etc.(the normal things in life that most people feel) it has a greater impact.

Long story short, it does help, it just won't cure.
10+ years of living with depression.
YES !! Depression involves, sometimes, not even getting out of bed or leaving the house. Whether you take medication or not, exercise is important for mental health. It helps you release a very pleasant chemical in your brain called Endorphins -- the feel good chemical. Getting up and out and doing exercise helps in many different ways. Every mental health hospital takes the patients outside everyday. Those who are able are encouraged to take walks. Any kind of exercise will help. Walking and Yoga are two very good ways to start. If you can only make it around the block -- do it. Then, the next time, try to do it twice. Depending on your level of depression,, if it's light,, start a work-out routine. Even jumping jacks, sit-ups, running in place.........anything. The drugs can only help to a certain point. You have to get moving. You have to be in groups and do the talk therapy. It's a whole program to getting better and exercise is at the top of the list !!!