My depression is severe and exercise does make a difference. I’m not sure why you’d think that.

It doesn’t make the bad thoughts go away. It doesn’t turn off the bad feelings. I’d still be diagnosed with severe depression if I went in with a fresh slate. What it does is give me the energy to endure it, though. The physiological symptoms subside quite a bit, and it makes a meaningful difference.

It also helps more than medication since I seem to be a non-responder. It’s a big help in my life.