Enter exercise, depression exit stage left
overthehillsandfaraway
Posts: 179
No one's life is a bowl of cherries, obviously. I went through a rough spell and to be honest, the only cure I've found recovering from depression is exercise. Honestly.
Sometimes, not always, it'll take an army to motivate me to even go outside. It's an internal conflict and sometimes the mindgames try to set in. But when I begin, the climax of my workout is all I concentrate on. Once I reach my peak, I gasp for breath and smile because this euphoria starts trickling my senses. The sweat permeates my body and I feel centered again, clarity sets in and logic takes place.
All the burden I've seem to hang on to becomes meaningless and the post shower workout is the grand finale I die for.
That being said, I posted this to see if members can empathize. Depression is a horrible thing I don't wish on my worst enemy. Even since I started dedicating time for a healthier life, it lets me maintain that optimism and rejuvenates me with some form of redemption.
Sometimes, not always, it'll take an army to motivate me to even go outside. It's an internal conflict and sometimes the mindgames try to set in. But when I begin, the climax of my workout is all I concentrate on. Once I reach my peak, I gasp for breath and smile because this euphoria starts trickling my senses. The sweat permeates my body and I feel centered again, clarity sets in and logic takes place.
All the burden I've seem to hang on to becomes meaningless and the post shower workout is the grand finale I die for.
That being said, I posted this to see if members can empathize. Depression is a horrible thing I don't wish on my worst enemy. Even since I started dedicating time for a healthier life, it lets me maintain that optimism and rejuvenates me with some form of redemption.
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Replies
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No one's life is a bowl of cherries, obviously. I went through a rough spell and to be honest, the only cure I've found recovering from depression is exercise. Honestly.
Sometimes, not always, it'll take an army to motivate me to even go outside. It's an internal conflict and sometimes the mindgames try to set in. But when I begin, the climax of my workout is all I concentrate on. Once I reach my peak, I gasp for breath and smile because this euphoria starts trickling my senses. The sweat permeates my body and I feel centered again, clarity sets in and logic takes place.
All the burden I've seem to hang on to becomes meaningless and the post shower workout is the grand finale I die for.
That being said, I posted this to see if members can empathize. Depression is a horrible thing I don't wish on my worst enemy. Even since I started dedicating time for a healthier life, it lets me maintain that optimism and rejuvenates me with some form of redemption.0 -
Yes.. I know exactly what you mean! I have had depression since I was a teen..and it's no fun..but one thing that I notice helps the most..working out!! I don't know how or why medically but I just know for me personally it helps! But it is a strange battle..because you need to actually get yourself out of whatever funk you are in to work out in the first place..and that ..some days..is not easy...0
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I have two theories:
exercise = endorphins.
also, for me my sleep dramatically improves if I'm exercising properly. Bad sleep patterns lead to a world of hurts, including depression for me.
I still have to drag my *kitten* off the sofa many a day. . .but exercise=magic!:flowerforyou:0 -
I am rarely depressed AJ, but I have a friend with severe depression ad did some research on the effect of exercise on depression.
There is evidence that exercise raises the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release muscle tension, help you sleep better, and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
I do feel so much more positive and energetic when I exercise regulary. I even get the feeling I have to go to the gym again to get that "feel good" feeling. Like an addiction.
From what you said ( and what I know from my friend) I guess the hardest part is getting out there. Getting over the "Uhhh I'd rather stay at home" thing or "I really am not in the mood".
Here is what I do if I am too tired after 12 hrs work but HAVE to go out to get my milage in for the week. I just tell myself "OK, ride a few miles and see how it goes". Or go to the gym and do some easy stuff. That at least gets me out there. If I really do go home again after an easier workout, I can state that at least I tried and that makes me feel better. Usually what happens is that I get over my laziness and
keep exercising, realizing that it is not at all that bad. Doesn't always work, but quite often.
"Research suggests that it may take at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can improve mood in the short term."
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043
You said "the only cure I've found recovering from depression is exercise." I wouldn't go that far. But exercise is a very very important part of the daily "treatment if somebody is depressed and can significantly reduce the amount of medicine you'd have to take without it.
Good luck my friend0 -
Depression is something I always have to keep in check. Along with sleep, eating right, and being around people enough, exercise is one of the most important factors. I've been on antidepressants for years and done loads of therapy, but without exercise, even these two methods are sometimes not enough to keep the depression at bay. Whenever I start to feel crummy, I ask myself, have I been exercising regularly? And usually when I feel like that, the answer is no. It's so simple that sometimes I forget how important it is. Isn't it amazing that something so effective is actually free? 0
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Hey, wow, you really have a way with words. But i know what you mean. I used to have seasonal depression; I would get depression in the winter time, and usually I was fine in the summer. But this last winter I joined a gym and worked out at least three times a week. The difference was insane!! I had a depression free winter!!0
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Depression is something that has haunted me for pretty much all my adult life, It's easier to control now that I understand it, but you are absoutely correct, exersice really does help! My father's family suffers chemical imbalance, and I suffered some abuse from my first boyfriend. I have pretty much dealt with the abuse, am over that, but unfortunatley the chemical imbalance will always be there, unless medicated which I refuse to do since it makes me suicidal, even tried different types. My one cousin and I are the only ones in the family who are effected by the meds this way! I have learned that if I catch the depression early enough in the first phases, it goes away much quicker just by adding a couple of walks into my day, it really helps me to sort out what it is I'm feeling at that moment! It does get better, hang in there!!0
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This is becoming a very interesting thread for me.
I have only textbook knowledge and one person who I believe will absolutely open share feelings and thoughts about depression.
I always feel as if I am not competent to give people advise about that, but then I again I KNOW how much exercise can help.
Thanks for all your contribution guys0 -
Y'all are so amazing! :happy: I was depressed for a very long time in my last marriage. I suffered emotional, physical and financial abuse from my ex. My divorce was finalized this past March, :drinker: and I can honestly say that when I got back in the gym and started working out I felt better about myself. And, I feel better at night when sleeping--I don't wake up in the middle of the night with insomnia anymore!!!:happy: I hope I can keep it up. I haven't had to take any meds yet, so I'm hoping that as my mind, body and spirit strengthen I won't have to worry about depression!
Button
P.S. In 6 years of marriage I gained over 60 lbs from having a second child and being stressed out, so that's why I'm dedicated to doing my best to lose it PLUS the weight I gained after my first baby.0 -
Button,
that sounds to me more as if you were just in a bad relationship and that that caused most of the problems. If you are coping with all that so far ok and feel already better you will get better yet. It takes a long time. Emotional and physical abuse it not something that heals in a few months. God bless you that you have the strength to set new goals such as loosing weight at all!
Are you working out or getting some kind of exercise?0 -
I love the loqacious folks on this board for the matters that I feel are important to me, especially when the irony is that mental health can sometimes effect you physically, IMO. That being said, let me clarify myself on some matters. I don't consider myself depressed currently and although some dark thoughts have come and gone, my life has been better since I decided to dedicate myself to my health and focus on my personal spiritual goals. Five years ago was hell. Now, I'm so much stronger and I fear very little. Has it been easy? Far from it. But it's been an experience I wouldn't trade for the world regardless of all the speed bumps. Please accept my apologies for not elaborating but I was already running late for work. :bigsmile: :laugh:
My motivations for the thread was the adrenaline and optimism I had oozing out of me this morning after my workout. It made me reflect on past times when I was miserable in a fatuous-like manner. It humbled me immesely, in a way where it made the rest of my day wonderful.
I am grateful on how a lot of you opened up and shared your stories. I send nothing but positive energy in your direction. The world seems to be getting crazier on a daily basis but being surrounded by folks with an natural acumen like yourselves, it definitely gives me hope for our human race.
Thank you, again, for those who've posted thus far and much oblige in advance for those who continue to share their stories. Keep em' coming! Or at the very least, share your thoughts? :happy:0 -
I have found that I can trigger a depression by not eating enough complex carbohydrates. Take away my carbs for a week and I can guarantee you I will be very depressed; as complex carbs supply seratonin, which is a mood elevator...... similar to endorphins from exercise. So, exercise absolutely, but don't forget the carbs. And I do know what it feels like to not be able to motivate myself to exercise.
That is the cycle that MFP has helped me to break; denying myself carbs, getting depressed enough that I couldn't motivate myself to do anything not absolutely necessary (like feeding my children), so no exercise....
Carbs, exercise and sunshine!0 -
Yes.. I know exactly what you mean! I have had depression since I was a teen..and it's no fun..but one thing that I notice helps the most..working out!! I don't know how or why medically but I just know for me personally it helps! But it is a strange battle..because you need to actually get yourself out of whatever funk you are in to work out in the first place..and that ..some days..is not easy...
Yes...I've actually been going through this for the past couple of weeks. I struggle with depression and I know for a fact that exercise makes it go away for me. The problem with me is that when I have one lazy day the depression hits and it makes it so hard to get up and work out. I've laid around for the past couple days feeling so depressed and not wanting to get up at all. But you have to force yourself ya know. It's hard but it's worth it. Today I finally got back into it. Took my dog for a walk/jog, did some yoga, and rode my bike to the store to buy some healthy food. I feel great now! It really is a struggle sometimes.0 -
I have found that I can trigger a depression by not eating enough complex carbohydrates. Take away my carbs for a week and I can guarantee you I will be very depressed; as complex carbs supply seratonin, which is a mood elevator...... similar to endorphins from exercise. So, exercise absolutely, but don't forget the carbs. And I do know what it feels like to not be able to motivate myself to exercise.
That is the cycle that MFP has helped me to break; denying myself carbs, getting depressed enough that I couldn't motivate myself to do anything not absolutely necessary (like feeding my children), so no exercise....
Carbs, exercise and sunshine!
Carbs are definitely essential and thank you for pointing that out. A lot of factors must be contributed but the foundation of the goal is the actual movement, the exercise! It sucks to get those blurry days but we're here to make sure that doesn't happen very frequently.
High fives to you and your efforts.Yes...I've actually been going through this for the past couple of weeks. I struggle with depression and I know for a fact that exercise makes it go away for me. The problem with me is that when I have one lazy day the depression hits and it makes it so hard to get up and work out. I've laid around for the past couple days feeling so depressed and not wanting to get up at all. But you have to force yourself ya know. It's hard but it's worth it. Today I finally got back into it. Took my dog for a walk/jog, did some yoga, and rode my bike to the store to buy some healthy food. I feel great now! It really is a struggle sometimes.
I went through this for almost two months. I fell into some family turmoil and just became confused and didn't focus on much. Thankfully, I didn't binge and return to my highschool habits but I was such a damn snail, too! It's been great running and weight lifting again, can't believe I ever put it down.
My point is: we all fall into these situations. The worst part for me was that I didn't even expect it! I was on a roll. But that's okay, I've shown myself it's been obtained before and I'll conquer again, with better results. Good luck on your goals and don't lose sight of the light. Rage, rage against the dying of the light!0 -
I have found that I can trigger a depression by not eating enough complex carbohydrates. Take away my carbs for a week and I can guarantee you I will be very depressed; as complex carbs supply seratonin, which is a mood elevator...... similar to endorphins from exercise. So, exercise absolutely, but don't forget the carbs. And I do know what it feels like to not be able to motivate myself to exercise.
That is the cycle that MFP has helped me to break; denying myself carbs, getting depressed enough that I couldn't motivate myself to do anything not absolutely necessary (like feeding my children), so no exercise....
Carbs, exercise and sunshine!
Carbs are definitely essential and thank you for pointing that out. A lot of factors must be contributed but the foundation of the goal is the actual movement, the exercise! It sucks to get those blurry days but we're here to make sure that doesn't happen very frequently.
High fives to you and your efforts.Yes...I've actually been going through this for the past couple of weeks. I struggle with depression and I know for a fact that exercise makes it go away for me. The problem with me is that when I have one lazy day the depression hits and it makes it so hard to get up and work out. I've laid around for the past couple days feeling so depressed and not wanting to get up at all. But you have to force yourself ya know. It's hard but it's worth it. Today I finally got back into it. Took my dog for a walk/jog, did some yoga, and rode my bike to the store to buy some healthy food. I feel great now! It really is a struggle sometimes.
I went through this for almost two months. I fell into some family turmoil and just became confused and didn't focus on much. Thankfully, I didn't binge and return to my highschool habits but I was such a damn snail, too! It's been great running and weight lifting again, can't believe I ever put it down.
My point is: we all fall into these situations. The worst part for me was that I didn't even expect it! I was on a roll. But that's okay, I've shown myself it's been obtained before and I'll conquer again, with better results. Good luck on your goals and don't lose sight of the light. Rage, rage against the dying of the light!
Yes , I agree that the worst part is when you don't expect it. When you think you are doing ok and then one day everything just changes.
I know that any negative situation triggers depression..which I have experienced..and then you can at least know you have a reason behind it ...you feel like at least you have an excuse.. But when life is going just fine and I still feel lousy..That's when things get tough. Because I have personally been dealing with it since I was a teen..sometimes it's almost hard to notice it's depression...sometimes I tend to think..I have been like this for so long..maybe this is just me.. how I am.. But I know that is not true. Because it comes and goes and when it leaves it is like I am a different person.0 -
Yes, you're absolutely right. I think what keeps me going is consistant prayer and this mission to succeed has lingered in my body since birth because I just refuse to be overweight. I demand a new lifestyle and I will propel myself to succeed at any cost necessary!
Food is like drugs for an addict when I was really really overweight. Something would occur five years ago and I would use food as a substitute for getting my emotions trampled on. Now, I just envision that persons face when I hit the punching bag. :laugh: 0 -
Yes, you're absolutely right. I think what keeps me going is consistant prayer and this mission to succeed has lingered in my body since birth because I just refuse to be overweight. I demand a new lifestyle and I will propel myself to succeed at any cost necessary!
Food is like drugs for an addict when I was really really overweight. Something would occur five years ago and I would use food as a substitute for getting my emotions trampled on. Now, I just envision that persons face when I hit the punching bag. :laugh:
There ya go..that's one way to do it :laugh:0 -
Yes, you're absolutely right. I think what keeps me going is consistant prayer and this mission to succeed has lingered in my body since birth because I just refuse to be overweight. I demand a new lifestyle and I will propel myself to succeed at any cost necessary!
Food is like drugs for an addict when I was really really overweight. Something would occur five years ago and I would use food as a substitute for getting my emotions trampled on. Now, I just envision that persons face when I hit the punching bag. :laugh:
There ya go..that's one way to do it :laugh:
One of many many ways. I've also done some light research and it seems that after 6 weeks of weight lifting, a study conducted show that all of the participants felt significant increases in their mood boost!0 -
Hi there, Im pretty new on myfitnesspal and am still finding my way around the site. I came across your post and really appreciate your comments and the comments of others here. I too have had depression for years and yes you know it is hard to motivate yourself to workout at times, I struggle all the time with moving myself to keep active. However I must say, something I have found is just dont give up doing what I know I need to do. I have learnt alot about things to put in place to help myself...exercise being one of them, I am not consistant but I know how dark and ugly depression can get in my life and its that thought that will move me to do what I need to do, because I know that I never want to go back to being as unwell as I once was. Thanx.0
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Hi there, Im pretty new on myfitnesspal and am still finding my way around the site. I came across your post and really appreciate your comments and the comments of others here. I too have had depression for years and yes you know it is hard to motivate yourself to workout at times, I struggle all the time with moving myself to keep active. However I must say, something I have found is just dont give up doing what I know I need to do. I have learnt alot about things to put in place to help myself...exercise being one of them, I am not consistant but I know how dark and ugly depression can get in my life and its that thought that will move me to do what I need to do, because I know that I never want to go back to being as unwell as I once was. Thanx.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your kind words and testimony to this thread. Everyone faces a struggle daily but it's how we occupy and apply ourselves when it comes down to it. The internal conflict of obtaining motivation just to contribute to our health is an irony I can't fathom, yet deal with occassionally on those rainy days. This site alleviates the pressure of that burden.
And no, thank you. :happy:0 -
I too have had problems with depression for many years. For a few months I was on Prozac but that just made me feel like a zombie. I couldn't cry, sure, but I couldn't laugh either. Strenuous cardio exercise is much better than pills!! It gives one a short term goal to achieve and gets the physical & mental aspects of the body energized.0
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I used to get these horrible debilitating panic attack and in addition to the depression and some other chronic illness I dropped out of high school. It has been a battle daily but since then I have gone on to get my associates degree.... and now I am in a RN program ( graduating July 2009).
I used to think I couldn’t do it with out my meds but since I got pregnant with my son, I went off all the meds ( both of the anxiety meds and the antidepressants) I was in the middle of getting my associates degree when that happened. I was sure I was doomed and would drop out just like before. During the same time my roommate/ best friend started an diet and exercise program. She started dragging me out ever night to walk with her. Also I had been working at a physically intense job for about a year. I think both of these increase in activity helped tremendously. After my son was born I fell back into a sedentary lifestyle going to school and staying at home with a baby. I could feel myself falling into the hole of imbalanced mental health. Being a single mom I could NOT afford this to happen I have to finish school and get my career going to give my son a stable ( well as stable as life can be) life . Everyday I go to the gym is a struggle , fighting against the panic attacks and depression as I walk in and see all these "beautiful people" but I walk in and jump on a machine and do it.... and the strangest thing happens 15-20 min into it they all disappear and its just me and the power I am creating. Its the best high ever.
I have been free from the antidepressants and the anxiety meds since Dec 2005.
Wow that was a bit more long winded then I planned. In short ITA!
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I wanted to add a disclaimer..
I don't think medications are bad they can help and do. I don't think I could have gotton where I am with out them.
Also exercise is not the cure all or anything, I have been in therapy before which did help A LOT.
I think the meds, therapy, and just some plain old "soul searching" had huge parts, but exercise has played a part in there too.0 -
I wanted to add a disclaimer..
I don't think medications are bad they can help and do. I don't think I could have gotton where I am with out them.
Also exercise is not the cure all or anything, I have been in therapy before which did help A LOT.
I think the meds, therapy, and just some plain old "soul searching" had huge parts, but exercise has played a part in there too.
excellent post. I, myself, don't take any prescriptions but don't reserve judgment for those who find it useful.0 -
Yes! Everyone is different! I have been off and on many different prescriptions such as Welbutrin, Lexapro, and Prozac...and eventually taken myself off. I am not good with taking daily medications..and would always forget or skip or eventually think I am fine and just stop taking them.. I went four years without anything and recently decided to start taking better care of myself..both mentally and physically. I think both play a huge part in Depression..but it is hard..because you have to mentally want it and physically do it.. when I find myself slipping a little it is really hard to get back up! I also suffer from Migraines..have since I was a teenager..so my dr put me on something called Nortriptyline to tackle both the headaches and the depression. I have to say between the meds, Eating better( thanks to MFP) , and exercise..I feel like this is the best I have ever been! And this is even during one of the hardest times in my life i am saying this.. ( My son has been very sick since September and in and out of the hospital) and I feel as though I am able to cope with such setbacks better than I ever have before~! Some people do better without meds..I thought I was one of them...till I slowly feel myself falling behind again.. so I guess I am in the group that benefits from antidepressants.
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There's definitely nothing wrong with that. Some of my family members have the same experience and they've benefited for the best.
If I'm depressed, than 90% of the time it's because I've gone without exercise. The euphoria is otherworldly and my iPod providing the soundtrack to my victory only makes it that much stronger.0 -
I was very glad to find your post and to see that so many people are struggling with the same issues that I am. When I moved to a different city to go to college I lost what little support system I had and fell into a pretty dark hole. I gained so much weight and even continued to gain weight after I was started on medication. It took almost 3 years to find the right combination of medication that actually allowed me to stop gaining. The sad thing about medication, which I found out after I started working in the behavioral health field is that a side effect of a lot of psychotropic medication is weight gain :frown:
Food is like a drug for some people. I am unfortunately one of those people. I have been in therapy for a few years and have finally started getting some insight into why I binge eat or eat fast food to comfort myself. I have realized that I over eat when I feel out of control or feel that I have no control in my environment. Looking back it seems like such an obvious answer, but given the amount of money I have spent on therapy it obviously wasn't
I always feel better when I exercise and eat healthy, but it does get challenging at times. My ob/gyn suggested a few vitamins to add to my daily routine and I found that after adding them I had more energy and desire to stay on track. Because of some issues with money I have not been able to buy the vitamins and have noticed a major difference in a lack of motivation and energy. I guess I know what I am buying with my stimulus check! :laugh:
The nice thing about MFP is the forums, I am totally pumped right now after reading everyones words of wisdom and support that I want to go to the gym right now to feel that burn but given the time I don't think that is going to happen. I'll have to remember to sign on and read some more tomorrow to build up my desire again. :flowerforyou:0 -
Of course medication and therapy are important "tools". Not evrybody needs them, but where they are needed they are part of the whole therapy.
Summing up what was said before I believe it is correct to say that in most cases exercise ( in addition to other "treatments") really does help a lot. Right?
So then as the one who wants to help and be supportive the question is: how do you get someone to exercise if that person does not even want to get out of the house?
What works for you?0 -
Of course medication and therapy are important "tools". Not evrybody needs them, but where they are needed they are part of the whole therapy.
Summing up what was said before I believe it is correct to say that in most cases exercise ( in addition to other "treatments") really does help a lot. Right?
So then as the one who wants to help and be supportive the question is: how do you get someone to exercise if that person does not even want to get out of the house?
What works for you?
Yes that's a tough one.. I think anyone who has ever been depressed..either for a short period of time or long..knows just getting out of bed some days is a big accomplishment.
I don't know what really did it for me.. because I have always struggled with not having enough energy to just get through one day..nevermind working out and eating right..
I just woke up one morning and it clicked.. I got up..ate healthy that day and worked out that night.. it was one of the better of my days...and working out made me feel good...so I wanted to continue with that feeling.
Some days are better than others but I know the days I push myself to live a "normal" healthy day are the days I feel my best! I think everyone gets into their little "funk"..and for some it is harder to get out of it than others. I think depression is a mental, emotional and physical battle that comes in waves for me at least... I have just learned to ride the wave as long as I can!0 -
Yeah, i lost weight due to depression but once I finally got it under control... my weight came back. However, the depression use to get so bad that I felt like I was suffocating and I would have to go the beach and run, so that I could get air into my lungs. I swear it always made me feel better. I would be exhausted and out of breath but felt the best I thought I could feel. I am on medication now that was a miracle but I still believe the exercise was the best that I could have done for myself before the medication took effect.
I wish all of you who battle with this luck. it can be very consuming.0
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