Can Running Treat Depression?

Over the past few years, there’s been a palpable uptick in the number of articles, studies, and personal testimonies spotlighting the benefits of running for mental health. From celebrity endorsements to heartfelt stories on social media, the narrative is almost inescapable: hit the tracks to wave goodbye to the blues.

This surge in attention isn’t without merit, and a closer inspection brings us to some notable research. The Global Wellness Institute, a reputable name in health and wellness, suggests that running might be 1.5 times more effective in battling depression than traditional medication and therapy combined.

Another study recently conducted in Amsterdam sought to explore whether running therapy could be as helpful as antidepressants for treating depression and anxiety symptoms.

Researchers enlisted over 100 participants with one cohort engaging in running therapy and the other cohort using antidepressants. Each cohort adhered to 16-week programs, and at the end of the 16-week period, the researchers observed comparable enhancements in symptoms for both groups.

These findings and claims shift the spotlight onto a holistic approach to mental well-being. This paradigm change has left many wondering whether exercise alone could fully treat depression. While this possibility is intriguing, and one that many want to believe, the science doesn’t always hold up.

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Picture this: you’ve just finished a satisfying run. Heart racing, the good kind of sweat on your brow, and you’re floating on those endorphins, feeling comforted and accomplished about setting a pace and finding a routine amidst the whirlwind of life. Self-satisfaction and a healthy high are some of the central benefits of regular running.

On the flip side, not everyone’s going to feel transformed after running. We’re all a mix of different traits and what sends one person to cloud nine might feel terrible to another. Keeping up with a consistent exercise routine is ideal on paper, but on a day when the weight of depression feels like a ten-ton backpack, even pulling on those running shoes can feel like a marathon. Running therapy requires consistency, and this has proved to be a barrier for some.

The same Amsterdam study mentioned earlier found that adherence was notably lower in the running group. Only 52.1% of participants in the running group completed the required exercise sessions, compared to 82.2% in the antidepressant group.

So, what’s the reality? Running can be a great addition to your mental wellness toolkit, but depending solely on running might not cut it for everyone. For some people, starting regular exercise at the hint of the onset of depression may help reduce or manage symptoms. For others, medication management and psychotherapy for depression are a lifeline.

Therapy for depression, including psychotherapy and medication management, have been the mainstay for decades, and with good reason.

You’ve probably heard of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), maybe you’ve even received it. It’s not just some passing trend. CBT has been a cornerstone in mental health treatment, particularly for those wrestling with major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, and countless other mental health conditions. A look into the research shows stories of individuals who’ve found solace and healing through the structured approach of CBT.

There’s a certain comfort in the tried and true. While it’s exciting to entertain the idea of new remedies, many of these running studies refer to the relief of some symptoms of depression, meaning they don’t tackle the root cause. For many people living with the condition, the suggestion that running and depression are associated, that exercise might be the solution, is unimaginable.

While a brisk jog in the park has its merits, there’s undeniable value in the more traditional routes to mental wellness. After all, there’s a reason they’ve stood the test of time. Recent 2026 LifeStance data shows that 73% of patients* experienced improvement in symptoms of depression with evidence-based care.

Depression is a spectrum, and while a run might be enough to shake yourself out of a funk, it probably won’t be enough for people with moderate to severe depression.

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Navigating mental health requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. The most important step is choosing what feels right for you. And if running is part of that, it can be a meaningful addition. However, this does not mean prescribed treatment should be stopped prematurely.

If you’re looking for guidance, seeking support from a mental health professional can help you understand available treatment options and support informed decision-making.

*amongst 150,000 LifeStance patients with at least moderate depression