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Every time you move, whether you’re walking across campus or hitting the gym at the Barnes Center at The Arch, your body releases an antidepressant straight into your bloodstream. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s very much real.

Myokines, small proteins that are released into the bloodstream when muscles contract during exercise, are known as “Hope Molecules”. This learning has the potential to change the way we address mental health and influence a move toward more holistic approaches to combating depression rather than prescription drugs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

In their study, neurobiology and neuroscience researchers Cristy Phillips and Ahmad Salehi discussed the science behind these “Hope Molecules.” They discovered that exercise induces the release of PGC-1α1, a protein that influences mood by interacting with brain mechanisms. This muscle-derived protein can help individuals become more resilient to stress and depressive symptoms.

In other words, myokines travel to the brain and act as natural antidepressants, improving mood, learning ability and locomotor activity — a term that refers to movement and physical activity. Improved locomotor activity, often used as a measure of overall body movement in research, is an indicator of physical and mental wellbeing. When enhanced through exercise, it leads to increased energy levels and improved brain function.

What’s most fascinating is the concept that muscles are manufacturing antidepressant molecules, and the only way to get them into your bloodstream is to contract your muscles. Any activity that gets you moving, including walking, hiking, running, dancing, weightlifting or swimming, triggers their release. In these instances, you are triggering a natural, chemical change in your brain that boosts mood and builds resilience.

For students at SU, this discovery reflects the importance of regular physical activity beyond just staying fit. Getting active isn’t only about maintaining your physical appearance or to make you feel healthy; it’s also about actively improving your mental health through movement. It’s easy to assume that exercise is reserved for athletes, but the truth is, movement benefits everyone — regardless of the magnitude of activity.

While antidepressant drugs such as SSRIs are commonly prescribed to manage depression and anxiety, they often come with a range of side effects that can complicate or worsen symptoms.

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These side effects can include fatigue, weight gain and decreased motivation, all of which can reduce a person’s ability or desire to engage in physical activity. Some antidepressants can lead to increased appetite or metabolic changes, which may hinder efforts to maintain health. While manageable for some, such side effects can make the journey to improved mental wellbeing and physical fitness more difficult, often requiring lifestyle adjustments that go beyond what medication alone can provide.

Myokines also help in trauma recovery, which is particularly remarkable because medication alone doesn’t address post traumatic stress disorder.

Activating these “Hope Molecules” offers an alternative aid for individuals struggling with mental health issues, without the harmful side effects of medication.
With academic pressures, social commitments and post-pandemic stress, mental health is a major concern for college students. The Barnes Center does offer countless ways for students to engage in physical activity, but it’s important to remember the plethora of self-care strategies found in and around campus.

Spending time outdoors, for instance, has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function. For SU students, Green Lakes State Park is a perfect escape where the natural scenery allows for mindful reflection. Studies have shown that being in nature can boost creativity, reduce anxiety and even lower blood pressure, whether it’s a quiet walk or just sitting by the lake. This simple change of environment can offer significant mental clarity, making it an underrated but powerful antidote to academic pressures.

Incorporating exercise into your routine is also crucial. Depressive symptoms may lead to cognitive decline later in adulthood.

The best part is, you don’t have to train like an SU athlete to reap the benefits of Hope Molecules. The key is consistency. Finding a form of physical movement you enjoy and incorporating into your routine can be transformative, both physically and mentally. The secret is in making it a habit, because once you find that routine, it becomes second nature.

Knowing that something as simple as movement changes your brain chemistry could be potentially life-altering for many. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, think of your muscles as a pharmacy, releasing natural antidepressants with each contraction, and get moving.

Sudiksha Khemka is a freshman nutrition major. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at skhemka@syr.edu.

Published on October 7, 2024 at 12:16 am