> When we look at higher-quality evidence and direct comparisons, exercise performs similarly to, but not dramatically better than, established treatments. Overhyping it risks damaging credibility in this important area of mental health.

I get where he's coming from, but at the same time, if we can achieve even roughly the same result with exercise as with medication, that's a ridiculously huge win. Side effects of antidepressants are usually uncountably many, whereas for exercise it's (just) injuries and it's pretty well understood how to prevent them. Granted depression is a thousand different diseases in a trench coat, but even if we can ameliorate some forms with exercise, that would still make it considerably more available and approachable.

Exercise doesn't need to be complex or intimidating. Starting out with going for a short walk counts as exercise. You could even do it while you have the patient with you on an appointment, go walk out and about with them. Depression is a complex beast and the more tricks we have up our sleeves to fight it, the better.

If you're depressed, trying to make exercise happen can be the hardest thing in the world for some. But for those that it isn't, it could help a lot.