Depression and Exercise

It was strongly suggested that I start exercising to fight my anxiety disorder (which is in a class with Depression). I'm happy to say that I have had only one panic attack in three months...during finals week! I used to have five a week with no triggers or reasons. I'd even wake up in a full blown attack. So, yeah, I think there's something to say about exercise and mental health healing.

I think its cause its such a rush of hyper feelings from not just doing the exercise but that fact that you have done it... you can kind of get a feeling of coming down... I find it best to have something light to eat when I get back and reward myself with a relaxing soak in the bath (with bubbles of course).

I think it is our body telling us we need to eat..... Dont give up the exercise as it really does help, I have been finding myself feeling alot lighter in my moods since I started

and I'm off my meds :bigsmile:

Hi,
I've been severely depressed for about 4 years, spending a lot of that time in hospital. I'm feeling heaps better now, and have recently started exercising. I feel great while I'm exercising, but after the exercise I feel really flat and depressed, and end up moping for a couple of hours. Then, once I have dinner, I feel back to normal again. Does anyone know what this is about? Could it be a sign of messed up blood sugar levels? Comments would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Taryn

i don't know...i haven't heard anyone say this before. i suffer from depression and also have been in and out of the hospital with it. i know that exercising makes me feel 100% better when i can get myself motivated enough to do it. i've started taking vitamin D and all day long my energy was extreme...then i crashed after like 8 hours. maybe in a way you are, what i call, crashing after you have used up so much of your energy exercising. i know when i am exercising it is kinda like a high and then when it's over i stay that way for a while but maybe you just wind down faster.

It was strongly suggested that I start exercising to fight my anxiety disorder (which is in a class with Depression). I'm happy to say that I have had only one panic attack in three months...during finals week! I used to have five a week with no triggers or reasons. I'd even wake up in a full blown attack. So, yeah, I think there's something to say about exercise and mental health healing.

Oh I so know the feeling of waking up in a panic, I always just put it down to a nightmear... I know this is a diet site but you sharing that expains alot :flowerforyou:

Try a little 100-200 calorie snack after you work out. If that doesn't help after a week or so, talk to your doc.

You get a natural "high" from exercising, so maybe you just react to not being able to keep that "high" going.

I know exercise is good for depression / anxiety. I weaned myself off my meds about 6 months ago, and started to exercise more, and I feel way better than I did while I was on the meds. Of course, I'm not suggesting that you do that... but do know that the exercise is probably helping more than you know, even if you come "down" after it.

You could need a snack. Just do like a 100 calorie granola bar or something, and see if it improves, couldn't hurt to try. It could also just be your body coming down for the "natural" high from exercising. Do you do an intense exercise and then just stop? Maybe go from something more intense to like a 10 minute yoga to ease into your finish. If your still struggling ask a doctor (because you probably won't get very good medical advice on here). Good luck!

I get a flat feeling, but not FULL on down in the dumps. My endorphins go away about 20 minutes after exercise.

I was med free for about 3 years until I went back on Effexor in Feb. I forgot about the increased perspiration on them. Whoops! haha.

I felt kind of ripped off that I was exercising and still feeling depressed / anxious. I thought it was meant to help. haha.

Do what the other have said. try a small snack or a drink afterwards to see if it perks you up. I eat some fruit when I get home from the gym, generally. Plus I am always STARVED when I get home!