Exercise and Depression

amaodonnell

Hey everyone,

Typically it is the understanding the exercising helps reduce depression due to endorphins being released. However, as I have focused on my health again, my depression is back in full force. I am on medication for it and it seems to be doing nothing. The exercising hasn't helped at all, in fact, it might have made it worse?

Has anyone else been through this? I have both major depression and dysthymia. Not sure if that helps give clarity to my situation.

CW: 250
HW: 270
GW: 140

apullum

Are you seeing a mental health professional? I would talk to them about the fact that your medication is not working.

jo_nz

I didn't find exercise improved my mood directly.

I was in a vicious cycle of depression, poor sleep, migraines all leading to me feeling like rubbish. Anxiety kept me awake, lack of sleep triggered migraines, migraines affected my quality of life and led me to being even more anxious and depressed...
Exercise just felt like dragging myself through mud, and left me even more exhausted and sometimes triggered more migraines.
I went to the doctor and he prescribed a medication which is useful for chronic migraines, is a type of antidepressant, and also had a side-effect of drowsiness. It was a game-changer for me! I can't even describe how much better I feel in so many ways.

So in my own experience, no, exercise doesn't always reduce depression. But reducing depression might help increase exercise (ie I have energy now!).
Maybe a review of your medication with your doctor would be helpful?

ksavy

I have dysthymia, and am on medication for it. Exercise usually makes me feel better, even if I have to force myself to go to the gym and do it at times. It took a little while for it to work though, at first it just made me even more tired and miserable. I had to build up to a fitness level that allows me to work out hard enough to get the endorphins flowing.

Inazea

I have a major depressive disorder and exercise helps absolutely nothing, out of all the people my psychiatrist and my therapist were the only ones who didn't tell me to try that. Ironically running is the only thing I get done when I have absolutely horrible episodes and it doesn't even make feeding myself easier. Medication is the only thing working for me.

If you've been on that medication for a few weeks and nothing has changed I'd talk to your doctor about it to see if changes can be made.

jenniferanderson3888

Lexapro is a miracle drug when it comes to anxiety. I have experienced no weight gain on this

moogie_fit

amaodonnell wrote: »

Hey everyone,

Typically it is the understanding the exercising helps reduce depression due to endorphins being released. However, as I have focused on my health again, my depression is back in full force. I am on medication for it and it seems to be doing nothing. The exercising hasn't helped at all, in fact, it might have made it worse?

Has anyone else been through this? I have both major depression and dysthymia. Not sure if that helps give clarity to my situation.

CW: 250
HW: 270
GW: 140

What kind of exercise do you do?

I find that it takes. A bit to find something that makes you feel good. Something that creates a sense of mastery- that you feel or know that you are good at, and makes you feel more confident.

I switched to performance based weight lifting because of this.
If you feel *kitten* in a gym because you are comparing self etc, find something else, say walking or swimming, or dancing, that you can do well or that you can do distracted (listening to podcasts etc.)

For depression, I find skills based therapy like CBT and DBT are helpful and there are a number of free resources on the internet and podcasts that you might enjoy

moogie_fit

jenniferanderson3888 wrote: »

Lexapro is a miracle drug when it comes to anxiety. I have experienced no weight gain on this

I found topamax was my miracle drug, mixed with 20 mg lexapro and 50 mg trazadone. Each person needs to find a mix or drug that works for them

ExistingFish

I have found exercise has helped my anxiety greatly, but probably only after about 3-4 months of regularly exercising. I also agree with a previous poster, something that creates mastery helps. I lift weights, I'm able to see my progress in the amount of weight changing.

I'd speak with your mental health professional if your medication isn't working.

I also see a therapist, which has been extremely instrumental in controlling my anxiety.

peggy_polenta

are you doing either low carb or keto? there have been some studies on these diets having a negative effect on depression for some people. ive only seen snippets of things about this. if you are, try googling that to see what you find and if anything rings true for you.

athran13

I have depression and anxiety. I take meds for it and see a therapist now and again. These have helped me, I think. Other than these I have started working out (since January). For me, this has lifted my mood/depression significantly. I wish it would have touched my anxiety though (and obsessive worry a bit). I haven't felt majorly depressed in a while and I feel I have more energy. My anxiety can still go through the roof. Not sure why it hasn't helped this aspect as it seems to have helped others and studies show it helps anxiety.... I'm can only guess it's a personal thing. Exercise helps people in different ways. Or maybe it doens't help at all. I've never heard of a one size fits all cure though. Maybe exercise just not right for you (not that I'm encouraging giving it up). I'd try talking to a mental health professional and seeing what other advice they may have?

aokoye

I'll echo some others here and that exercise does absolutely nothing for my depression. It doesn't matter the type, intensity, or duration. My depression is also treatment resistant. Therapy helps me be very functional, but exercise? No.

Pickle107

Another with major depression and treatment resistant. I used to run casually in between episodes and it gives me a sense of identity and purpose even if I'm probably bumbling along at walking pace. But I started towards a grandiose plan of running a marathon in September but I've been suffering from extreme fatigue for a few years now. And the plan is crumbling to dust. Admittedly, it doesn't make the tiredness worse but doesn't help it either. When I do run, I'm up at 6.30am to minimize the numbers of people seeing me and I seem to get a small window before the meds kick in and I'm back in bed. It doesn't help the depression at all but does remind me of happier times doing races, travelling and training when I was fitter and mentally healthier.

So to cut a long story short, no it doesn't help me either. And go see your doctor re: your meds not working!

mbaker566

jenniferanderson3888 wrote: »

Lexapro is a miracle drug when it comes to anxiety. I have experienced no weight gain on this

that drug made me into an angry *kitten*

if it's been two weeks, ask to try a different drug. even if they worked in the beginning, sometimes they stop working.

exercise does not always help. i've been exercising more than ever but I'm still depressed. but i don't think i've ever felt that exercise has made it worse. it's just something i have to do.

lleeann2001

There was a time when I changed antidepressants regularly after some period you know that we gave them to work. And once my group of medications just stopped working. They went from me feeling good to me having a flat affect. That's just the way our bodies are. Exercise for me produced those endorphins but the feeling didn't last long. I felt good for a while then nothing. Please see your psychiatrist as soon as you can. You will have to start gradually on another medicine. Or some psychiatrists start you off with the full dose right away depending on which they choose. I was on Lexapro once. It made me stop crying, but then the permanent psychiatrist put me on Cymbalta. Eventually, I ended up being on Cymbalta and Abilify. They work well. Once I stopped taking the Abilify for 2 weeks ( don't ask me why) and I was SOOOOO soooook SICK. I couldn't stop crying. And the feelings I had were PAINFUL! SO I restarted my medicine and all was and is good. So if your medicines seem to not be working anymore please don't stop it without seeking your doctor's advice. You may indeed need another regimen. I hope that you attain what you desire.

kbmnurse1

I would get to a MH professional if you are not already seeing one. I am not a fan of medications for myself but, I do understand the need to take them for many diagnosis.

fcanad

What above said, but really look for purposeful movement that lets you feel okay in your body. It could be anything from meditation to waterskiing. I’ve found that times when I have to be completely in my body, in the moment, help the most.

Fflpnari

I agree with the above recommendations of seeking professional help with this.

My experience is that it took a little bit but the depression did improve. I tried not to focus on my weight at all (I know its hard!) I set my calories to lose one pound a week. I found if I set my calories for 2 pounds my depression and anxiety worsened. I also played around with what I ate. On days I ate empty carbs my mood was worse.

Its take some trial and error but things will get better. Good luck! You can do this!!!

NorthCascades

aokoye wrote: »

I'll echo some others here and that exercise does absolutely nothing for my depression. It doesn't matter the type, intensity, or duration. My depression is also treatment resistant. Therapy helps me be very functional, but exercise? No.

I consider you a friend, and I'm so sorry to hear this.

Edit to add: hugs.

NorthCascades

For me, some of the time I spend exercising feels like carrying a light in the darkness.

kshama2001

NorthCascades wrote: »

For me, some of the time I spend exercising feels like carrying a light in the darkness.

That's awesome - I love it!

OP - while exercise does help me quite a bit - I think more than the Wellbutrin - I only get the endorphin rush when I am being active outside.

As well as different forms of exercise, do try another AD. I went through about a half dozen before I found Wellbutrin. Prozac gave me panic attacks and I lost the ability to and interest in orgasm with Zoloft...

My brother's antipsychotics will stop working from time to time, and he has to experiment with different drugs before he is stable again.

NorthCascades

kshama2001 wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

For me, some of the time I spend exercising feels like carrying a light in the darkness.

That's awesome - I love it!

OP - while exercise does help me quite a bit - I think more than the Wellbutrin - I only get the endorphin rush when I am being active outside.

As well as different forms of exercise, do try another AD. I went through about a half dozen before I found Wellbutrin. Prozac gave me panic attacks and I lost the ability to and interest in orgasm with Zoloft...

My brother's antipsychotics will stop working from time to time, and he has to experiment with different drugs before he is stable again.

Yeah, being outdoors is a big part of it. And moving around. Any kind of accomplishment (I skied dead man's curve without crashing, rode fast or beat a power record, squatted a PR, whatever) is like a counterbalance against the anxiety. I think the passing of time and getting older brothers all of us, exercise feels like I'm putting some of my time to good use, and it helps slow the process too.

HeliumIsNoble

I agree about the skill component. There might be people who can get something out of a treadmill or whatever, but for me it has to be a skilful activity that gives me a sense of achievement.

aokoye

NorthCascades wrote: »

aokoye wrote: »

I'll echo some others here and that exercise does absolutely nothing for my depression. It doesn't matter the type, intensity, or duration. My depression is also treatment resistant. Therapy helps me be very functional, but exercise? No.

I consider you a friend, and I'm so sorry to hear this.

Edit to add: hugs.

Hugs, thanks @NorthCascades - that means a lot. Therapy is definitely the reason why I'm able to do everything that I'm able to do now, including exercise. Lots and lots of therapy.

kshama2001

NorthCascades wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

For me, some of the time I spend exercising feels like carrying a light in the darkness.

That's awesome - I love it!

OP - while exercise does help me quite a bit - I think more than the Wellbutrin - I only get the endorphin rush when I am being active outside.

As well as different forms of exercise, do try another AD. I went through about a half dozen before I found Wellbutrin. Prozac gave me panic attacks and I lost the ability to and interest in orgasm with Zoloft...

My brother's antipsychotics will stop working from time to time, and he has to experiment with different drugs before he is stable again.

Yeah, being outdoors is a big part of it. And moving around. Any kind of accomplishment (I skied dead man's curve without crashing, rode fast or beat a power record, squatted a PR, whatever) is like a counterbalance against the anxiety. I think the passing of time and getting older brothers all of us, exercise feels like I'm putting some of my time to good use, and it helps slow the process too.

Yes, I like the sense of accomplishment as well, which is why I am drawn to trail maintenance - the worse the trail, the better, as far as I am concerned. I get excited when I see a tree has fallen

kshama2001

sesilLi wrote: »

Hi! I read that from depression well helps CBD oil and plan in the near future to buy a bottle on trial in a shop near my house.[snipped link JIC] By the way, I also read that there is CBD oil, which helps to lose weight. What do you think about these products?

CBD oils helps my brother with anxiety. It makes me a little sleepy, but I did not find it effective as a sleep aid. It would not help me with depression or weight loss making me sleepy would be counterproductive.

Watch out for over-hyped products as these will be over-priced - probably something at a health food store that doesn't have a lot of marketing is fine.

NorthCascades

sesilLi wrote: »

Hi! I read that from depression well helps CBD oil and plan in the near future to buy a bottle on trial in a shop near my house https://www.marijuanabreak.com/buy-cbd-oil-near-me. By the way, I also read that there is CBD oil, which helps to lose weight. What do you think about these products?

CBD is having a moment, for sure. Companies are trying to sell it to everyone for everything. It probably doesn't actually cure everything. It probably isn't regulated very well either, so you might pay a lot of money for something that isn't even what you think you're buying.

Finally, there are a lot of people who smoke marijuana here, and they seem to really enjoy eating, so I wouldn't try it for weight loss!!

FrankieandSpots

Exercise helped me, a little bit, on good days - not so much on bad days.
Sticking to a running or weight lifting program was hard - I trained intermittently.
But hiking was usually good. I had a feeling of going SOMEWHERE and walking over rough ground kept me from ruminating quite so badly.
And exercise was a check box on the self care checklist I made myself (shower, talk to a friend/anyone, eat 3 veggies, take supplements, etc.)
Wishing you some progress against the depression.

NorthCascades

My doctor told me I'm her most active patient. I don't know if that says anything about the topic at hand or not.

aokoye

NorthCascades wrote: »

My doctor told me I'm her most active patient. I don't know if that says anything about the topic at hand or not.

Yeah my therapist is very happy that I exercise as much as I do (she's also very intrigued). She recognizes that it's not going to make my depression anymore bearable than if I didn't, but she thinks it's good nonetheless. It's a "oh hey I like this thing, let's try to keep doing things I like" and slowly turning into a "we can use this as a medium to exercise how not to push yourself too hard in various situations" - that is both convenient and totally unintended.

SeptemberFeyre

How often do you exercise? I am in a research class in psychology and have chosen depression and exercise therapy for my research topic. From the research papers I have went over exercise does seem to help but it needs to be at least five days a week. Aerobic exercise seems to be the best for depression but a small amount of people were even able to get benefit from yoga.