Enter exercise, depression exit stage left

I really need to take some time to think about what will work best for me......I will let everyone know when i get a few ideas

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?

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?

I have to talk to myself and remind myself of the following: "I will feel better after I go." (Sometimes my husband tells me. ) I have to constantly recognize that this is an illness, and exercise is the only medicine I'm on right now. If I had a headache, I wouldn't need motivation to take an aspirin. Many times I don't feel motivated until I go, even now as a moderately in-shape person who apparently enjoys exercise. Also, because my depression also includes anxiety, I have a collection of workout DVDs, so I can work out even if I don't feel like I can leave the house (some days it's a profound problem/challenge for me to do this). It's also important, if there's a gym involved, to find a safe, friendly environment. I just started at a new gym, (I'd been at my previous one for two years and they almost never called me by my name) at my new gym, I am greeted by people by my name. It is magic.

(that got long) So, to sum up:
feel better afterwards (exercise=medicine)
DVDs for workout at home when leaving home is too difficult
and
positive, accepting workout environment.

:flowerforyou:

Hi,

I'm new here and this is exactly what my problem is. I crave carbs because my serotonin is low. More carbs means more weight though.

Exercise does make me feel better, when I do it. I need to find the energy! I take fish oil too which makes me feel better.

Natalie

I am reading this with great interest. I always felt that exercise elevates your mood. Does it for me too. But I am not depressed. Reading everything you guys said here allows me to generally recommend exercise to someone as help with depression. It seems as if it can significantly reduce the amount of medicine you need to take if any.

Yeah I would recommend it first...and then obviously if the signs of depression are really serious....or suicidal.... then that person should seek medical help..and most likely be put on medication. But it would be nice of just the exercise worked!