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The treatment of anxiety disorders and depression continues to evolve as healthcare providers, therapists, scientists, researchers, and patients seek better solutions. For NorthBay Health’s internal medicine specialist Larissa Chartrand, M.D., that solution will never be as simple as taking an antidepressant or even simply embarking on an exercise routine.

“For all forms of treatment for depression – major depressive disorder – there are medications, called antidepressants,” said Chartrand, whose office is located at the NorthBay Health Primary Care facility in Green Valley. “There’s psychotherapy – a form of behavioral therapy. And then there’s all the integrated forms, with exercise being one of them. So, exercise is not something I would say would substitute a medication or form of therapy.

“But they can all be important.”

Chartrand is convinced the answer to better treatment rests in the understanding of every individual.

“I do not practice what we call ‘cookie-cutter’ medicine,” Chartrand stressed. “I feel that every individual is different in their journey of where depression has stemmed from. So, with each patient, I try to get to know them and dig a little bit deeper into where the depression could be stemming from so I can see what kind of form of treatment would be best for them.

“We also have questionnaire for patients, with questions regarding mental health. And those can help us identify possible needs and allow us to open a conversation.”

Beyond therapy and medication, Chartrand also emphasized there is a misconception about the incorporation of exercise into the treatment equation.

“When it comes to exercise, actually it’s more about movement,” Chartrand said. “Exercise is more for weight-loss goals and aerobic health. But there are vast studies in many different countries that show movement overall – and it doesn’t have to be exercise – can help with depression. The goal at first is to just get them to move. If someone is having depression, a lot of times when you feel depressed, you lack motivation to do things, with exercise or movement being among them. So, the idea is to engage the person in joy and movement.

“And movement can be anything. There’s a lot of science that shows just twenty minutes of movement – of moderate activity – actually stimulates these happy hormones we have. If I’m trying to help someone find a good routine for them, it’s about trying to find things that make them build happiness.”

Chartrand suggests four moderate activities that can potentially help combat anxiety and depression, and simultaneously invoke joy:

• Stretching: “For some people, it can be a very simple stretch routine because it’s just the challenge of moving at all. When you can’t move at all, by stretching and overcoming those limits, that helps to show people that I can. I can do something. I can move.”
• Dancing: “Try movement that incorporates music, such as dancing. Music brings a lot of people joy.”
• Walking: “Connecting to nature is really important. So sometimes just going for a walk out in nature is helpful.”
• Human Connection: “Sometimes what people need is human connection – movement that connects you with others. Bring someone you love, whether it’s on a walk or going to a class. Human connection is important.”

Need help managing your anxiety or depression symptopms? Patients of NorthBay Health can reach out to their doctor through the patient portal or by calling (707) 646-5500.