Exercise Your Mood Week, is being held across Australia from 11 to 19 September 2010 to underline the importance of exercise for maintaining good mental health.

Those participating will help to raise funds to support the work of the Black Dog Institute which is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-orientated facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder.

Individuals or groups can organise their own activity or participate in one of the many community events planned for the week in September.

The Black Dog Institute said that research had shown the benefits of exercise for people with mood disorders.

Exercise- based interventions can significantly reduce depression compared to no treatment.  For example, in older adults, research shows that 16 weeks of regular exercise can be as effective as an antidepressant, although each influence mood in different ways.

The mood benefits from exercise include the release of endorphins (the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals), interruption of the ‘inactivity cycle’ of depression, distraction from worrying, changes in the brain’s chemistry, reduction in the levels of stress hormones, improved sleep, fitness and energy, and an increased sense of control while promoting social interaction.

To find out more about the campaign and how you can be involved, visit the Black Dog Institute website, www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

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