Final answer:
A recreational therapist is best equipped to assess and plan leisure activities for a patient with depression. Aerobic exercise can significantly benefit mental health and is comparable to antidepressants. Physical exercise also contributes to various other health improvements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most qualified team member to assess the leisure needs of a patient diagnosed with depression and plan the necessary interventions is a recreational therapist. Recreational therapists specialize in using treatment modalities that involve recreation and activities. These activities can have several benefits on mental health, including improvement of mood and reduction of depression symptoms. Aerobic exercise, known to increase the biosynthesis of neurochemicals that may act as euphoriants, is comparable to pharmaceutical antidepressants for treating mild-to-moderate depression. The euphoric effects, such as the "runner's high" or "rower's high," are beneficial for the patient's mental wellbeing.
In addition to mental health benefits, physical exercise offers numerous other health advantages. It can improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight management, enhance muscular strength, and increase longevity. These are just a few examples among a wide array of positives that exercise can offer for overall health.