A major South Korean study provides robust evidence that maintaining or increasing physical activity over time can significantly reduce the risk and severity of depression. The findings, published in a leading psychology journal, followed nearly four million adults and showed that those who stayed active or became more active reported fewer depressive symptoms and lower rates of clinical depression. This large-scale study underscores that regular movement supports mental well-being in addition to physical health, with relevance for Thailand’s health strategies as well.
Depression is a pressing global public health challenge and has become more visible in Thailand as well, where social and economic shifts after the COVID-19 pandemic have coincided with rising anxiety and depressive disorders. In Thailand, students and workers report higher stress, reduced motivation, and social withdrawal. While medicines and talk therapies remain central, lifestyle interventions like exercise are gaining attention for their accessibility and broad health benefits.
The South Korean research, led by a professor of medicine, leveraged a national health database similar to Thailand’s universal health coverage system. Researchers tracked 3.99 million adults with reliable data on physical activity, general health, and depression status from 2014–2017, with follow-up through 2018. About 209,000 participants had a history of depression, while 3.78 million did not.
Activity levels were measured using standardized questionnaires. The study categorized participants as inactive, low activity (1–2 days per week), moderate (3–4 days), or high (5 or more days). Some participants had a baseline assessment to compare activity before and after a depression diagnosis, enabling evaluation of post-diagnosis improvements.
Key results are encouraging but nuanced. Among those with depression history, increasing or maintaining high activity reduced the chance of a recurrent diagnosis by 8% to 26%. Depressive symptoms, measured with a widely used screening tool, also declined with greater activity. For individuals without prior depression, exercising five days a week lowered the risk of developing depression by up to 40% compared with inactivity.
A notable finding is that benefits accumulate when activity is sustained or increased over time. For people who became more active after a depression diagnosis, benefits persisted, reiterating that “it is never too late to benefit from adopting a more active lifestyle.” Conversely, remaining inactive before or after diagnosis correlated with a higher risk, highlighting the need for prevention as well as treatment.
Why does exercise help? The study points to multiple mechanisms: improved regulation of stress, better sleep, and enhanced social engagement, all of which support mental health. Biologically, activity stimulates brain regions involved in emotion regulation and raises growth factors that support brain plasticity. Consequently, movement is increasingly viewed as a core preventive and therapeutic strategy by mental health professionals worldwide.
The study also illustrates the value of large national datasets for understanding mental health. In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health is strengthening data systems to improve access to mental healthcare. However, limitations exist: activity was self-reported, some clinical cases may be undercounted, and depression was measured at specific ages. Nonetheless, following millions of adults over time and linking outcomes to activity patterns makes this one of the most comprehensive analyses to date on exercise and depression.
Thai health professionals can draw important lessons. Despite broad agreement on the value of exercise, sedentary lifestyles persist, especially in urban centers where traffic, air quality, and long working hours pose challenges. National surveys show that less than half of working-age adults meet the World Health Organization’s guideline of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly. Schools often struggle to meet international guidelines for physical education, and community spaces can be limited in lower-income areas.
A senior official from the Thai Ministry of Public Health suggests expanding structured group exercise programs across workplaces, schools, and communities. “Our data consistently show the positive impact of even modest increases in physical activity, especially for those with a history of depression,” the official notes. Public health messaging and local policy should make active living an easy, accessible choice for all, including vulnerable groups.
A mental health social worker in Thailand adds that cultural messaging around exercise should emphasize holistic well-being rather than appearance or weight loss. Simple activities—dancing at temple festivals, walking to markets, or at-home yoga—can all improve mood and stress management.
There is growing recognition in Thai education that student well-being cannot be separated from physical health. Pilot programs in northern and northeastern provinces have introduced short aerobic sessions and mindfulness breaks during the school day, with students reporting greater energy, better concentration, and reduced anxiety. Insights from the South Korean study could inform broader, more inclusive programs, especially where facilities are limited.
Looking ahead, Thailand could adopt innovations such as wearable devices and health apps to monitor movement and deliver personalized prompts. The study author suggests future work with wearables to gather objective real-world data, a model that could be piloted in Thai workplaces and schools.
With mental health concerns rising in Thailand—especially among youth and older adults—the overarching takeaway is clear: more and sustained physical activity should be a national health priority. Individuals can start with small steps, like a daily 10-minute walk or joining a community exercise group. Those already active should maintain or gradually increase activity to support both physical and emotional resilience.
Ultimately, regular exercise is a powerful, accessible tool for preventing and managing depression. As one author explained, staying active offers a simple yet effective strategy for mental well-being, benefiting those currently struggling and those aiming to prevent future episodes.
For Thais, embracing this approach—through individual effort and public health initiatives—could meaningfully reduce the nation’s mental health burden. Reframing movement as essential self-care, alongside nutrition and sleep, can help schools, workplaces, and local governments translate this research into lasting change.
Notes on sources: Research discussions are drawn from a major South Korean study, with context supported by reviews in respected medical journals about exercise and mental health, and thought leadership from mental health professionals. Data interpretations emphasize practical implications for Thailand’s health system and educational settings.