#AdolescentDepression

A large, long-term study indicates that regular aerobic activity during adolescence can significantly reduce depressive symptoms. The findings, published in a leading child and adolescent psychiatry journal, suggest that increasing physical activity during the tween-to-teen years may protect 14–18-year-olds from depression. For Thai families and educators facing rising youth mental health concerns, the research offers a hopeful pathway rooted in affordable, accessible health habits.

The Trondheim Early Secure Study tracked 873 children from ages 6 to 18, with follow-ups every two years. Researchers found that high levels of physical activity begin to show protective effects mainly during adolescence, particularly after age 14. Earlier adolescence (ages 10–14) did not display the same mental health benefits, according to the research. The study emphasizes that both total daily activity and the share of intense exercise contribute to reducing depressive symptoms.

A major new study has revealed that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression in adolescents aged 14 to 18, offering fresh hope for Thai families and educators grappling with the rising tide of youth mental health challenges. Reporting in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Norwegian researchers found that ramping up physical activity during these formative years may protect teens from developing depressive symptoms—a finding with powerful implications for Thailand’s youth and broader society (Psychology Today).