Experiences of physical activity in people with depression

Purpose: To describe people's experience of physical activity in depression. Background: There arecurrently approximately 322 million people living with depression in the world. Physical activity can beused as a nursing measure for this group. People with depression may need more support and followup related to physical activity. Method: A general literature study with a qualitative design wascarried out. Scans of three databases and two secondary searches finally resulted in eleven originalarticles, which were included in this literature study. The data analysis consisted of a content analysis. Results: Three categories; Social interaction, external conditions, as well as thoughts, feelings andinternal conditions can affect the experience of physical activity in depression. Encouraging supportfrom other people and the environment can both motivate and be a barrier to physical activity. Conclusion: The experience of physical activity in depression is individual. Something that gives anincreased motivation to physical activity in one individual, can be seen as a barrier in another. Physicalactivity has been described for people with depression as a way back to life and society. Having aholistic approach to health, in the performance of nursing work, is therefore important for how peoplewith depression will experience physical activity