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    A New Prescription For Depression: Join A Team And Get Sweaty

    Most people who struggle with depression and anxiety have heard that exercise is a mood-booster. But exercising with friends, especially playing a team sport may help even more.
    by Sasa Woodruff Oct 22, 2018 4 minutes
    Source: Maria Fabrizio for NPR

    Ryan "China" McCarney has played sports his entire life, but sometimes he has to force himself to show up on the field to play pick-up soccer with his friends.

    "I'm dreading and I'm anticipating the worst. But I do it anyway. And then, it's a euphoric sensation when you're done with it because you end up having a great time," says McCarney.

    McCarney was just 22 when he had his first panic attack. As a college and professional baseball player, he says getting help was stigmatized. It took him six years to get professional support. He still struggles with depression and social anxiety, but says exercising helps him — especially when it's with his teammates.

    Research shows exercise can ease things like in the journal, Lancet Psychiatry, found that popular team sports may have a slight edge over the other forms of physical activity.

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