How to deal with depression and exercising?

MagentaJamaisVu

Here's my story.

I need to get motivated to exercise (like everyone else), but I also deal with depression issues. My depression is just mild now (meaning I'm able to go to work and not call in) but it still lingers. I'm anti medication but I do take vitamins (so lets not go that route). My problem is that I'm so tired in the morning to do anything and I've noticed that I'm energetic and happy AFTER I exercise but how do I get happy before my exercising? I even have a Wii Fit and can't get myself to do Steps before work.

My friend recommended this website so we could more active in each others weight loss goals (we live an hour away and with busy schedules and can't exercise together. It seems like nothing can motivate me. I have "goal jeans" but that doesn't seem to do the trick either.

Any tips/pointers? Any certain vitamins I should be taking for mood? Any "good mood food"?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you all!

MagentaJamaisVu

Forgot to mention that I have a gym membership going to waste, and they don't have any classes to take. I thought about joining the YMCA for their pool and free classes. Maybe classes wold be motivating? Should my (almost) husband and I be exercising together? I just want US to be healthy.

jamielise2

I struggle too...but have found that once I get there I love it. For me it works better to exercise after work and I take my gym clothes with me to work, because I won't go if I have to go home first. Getting through to the endorphins is sometimes just a matter of talking myself through the next 5 minutes, and then the 5 after that. You CAN do it!

DimenaZhena

I have Bipolar Disorder and getting motivated has taken quite some time for me. I've had the help from my family, friends, and MFP, but truly, it is your decision to take the leap to a healthier life. You have to be ready to make this commitement. Otherwise, you will take a huge rollercoaster ride (like I did) with your weight and dieting. The first thing I needed to accomplish was to get a grasp on my Disorder. I go to a psychiatrist every 3-6 months, I've read literature about my disorder and have gotten pointers from those book on how to be happier. Exercise, naturally, is a great way to help your depression. Start out light. You don't have to do full on cardio. Build yourself up to this. It's not easy. If you want to add me as a friend, you can!

Twylyght

If you are overly tired and un-motivatived in the mornings have you tried working out in the evening? Maybe morning workouts just aren't for you. I love my morning workouts and it took me about a week of getting up when I didn't want to, but now if I don't work out I feel sluggish and not myself. You have to figure out what time works the best for your schedule and your motivation!! Good luck!!

eversits

I suffered from depression for two years. I never went to the doctor, because I did not want to take medications. My husband is studying pshychology, so he helped me out a lot just by talking. Over the two years of my depression, I gained 50 pounds. I believe that this website would definitely help you, but I would suggest that you workour with your soon-to-be husband. There is nothing better motivator out there than your partner. My husband is amazing, and he supports everything I do. He even gives me rewards as I am losing weight, and that just makes me want to workout more and more. Good luck on your journey!

danlyn

St. John's wort helps some people with depression. I can sympathize because I know it can make it much harder to get yourself going, even though you know it's the right thing to do. Having someone else to exercise with is a big help, especially if they are the type that can keep you honest and encourage you to keep your exercise routine. Also, it is easier to exercise because you don't want to let your exercise partner down. After a while it may even get you into such a routine that you can do it on your own even if your partner isn't exercising with you. Keep the faith. Being aware of what's going on is the first big step. I wish you luck. Friend me if you want and I'd be happy to encourage you along the way. I can use help in this department too!! :flowerforyou:

AngelaPowPowPOW

I have generalized Anxiety Disorder and, since starting MFP 45 days ago and working out, haven't had the problems I usually am plagued with. When I start to feel anxious, I take it to the streets and walk it off or bike it off. My new "diet" helps, too. Who would've known that, after years of doctors telling me this, that it would actually work!

WolffEarl

I am one of those obnoxiously optimistic people but one of your statements I can relate to very well, the "feeling good after exercise". I too exercise in the morning and feel great after, but am sometimes lying in bed, thinking: Do I really want to get up? Anyway, not knowing what your bed time is or how many hours of sleep you give yourself, maybe trying more hours of sleep? Sometimes posting big signs for yourself such as: Feeling LOUSY? Exercise will make it GO AWAY, might help. I like these visual reminders. Some folks claim VItamin B are anti stress.
The foods we eat can also affect our weight greatly. Sugars in refined form can be especially tiring.
Anyway, just some thoughts. Be well.

Becky1971

I started losing weight and working out so I could stay off meds, I was on them for 12 years and now it's been nearly 5 without, but it was a struggle, and two years or so ago, I realized this is just what I'm going to have to do to stay off the meds. I just have to make the conscious choice to get it done in spite of how I feel, because if I don't then I don't function too well.

jennfer71

I battled with depression for several years. At times it was severe. I had been on and off medications and in and out of therapy for all of those years also. I am proud to say that I am now off of all medications and no longer in need of therapy. I feel better than I have in years. I stumbled across the books by Richard Carlson from the Don't Sweat The Small Stuff series. The advice and strategies within the books really helped with my outlook and ability to deal with life's challenges in a more productive way. More than any of the therapy sessions!

With that said, I have also known that exercise is a terrific, natural way to battle the effects of depression on a person. When you exercise your body releases its own natural anti-depressants, the endorphines. You should try to incorporate physical activity as much as possible in your day. It doesn't have to be structured work outs to have a benefit either. A nice evening stroll around the neighborhood is nice too. Take time to appreciate the wonders of the world around you while you are at it. There are so many simple things in life everyday that we take for granted that are truly miracles. Let the fact that you a blessed with the ability to even take those steps, to be able to put one foot in front of the other on your walk, be your motivation. Every morning when you first wake up, before you get up from bed, think of three things that you have to be thankful for. My best wishes are with you!

MagentaJamaisVu

Gosh, you guys are very inspiring! Thanks for all your advice.

More information:
I do get 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Sometimes I sleep TOO much but I never sleep too little.
My diet has gotten better. I'm trying to stay away from fried foods and I'm eating a little less than 1300 calories a day(my goal is 1200 but its seems to little for me right now). I have been drinking only one cup of coffee in the morning for a little pick me up to get the day rolling. That seemed to help with fatigue.
I LOVE veggies, salon and chicken. Been eating ground turkey instead of beef. I rarely eat pork and beef but I do have a soft stop for bacon (who doesn't) but only eat that on special occasions.
I don't drink enough PLAIN water. (maybe 2 cups a day)