Exercise for Mental Health

Are you currently seeing a doctor? I'm no expert when it comes to depression, but it's possible that your GP will have some options to help you deal.

I live with mild stress and anxiety (mild enough that I can usually snap myself out of an anxiety attack IF I recognize it in time. I'm not on regular medication, but have been told that I might need an occasional pill if I'm headed into a really difficult situation) and I find that I've been experiencing less of it since I upped my activity level.

As for treadmill at 3mph, it is not pointless at all! Leisurely walking is about 2.5 mph and I just burned almost 400 calories this morning running errands for 80 minutes. You'd be working out at a faster pace. Now, if you're finding it boring to walk/run in place and get nowhere, you can try taking long walks instead. Or, if there's a spot on your control panel to rest a book or magazine, you can try reading while you work out. Or watching TV. I have a Nordic skier and listen to music as I go.

Hang in there. And take it slow. Push yourself, but gradually. If you don't think you can face exercising, try to come up with an excuse to take a short walk. Out of bread/milk/apples/whatever? Grocery store is a five minute walk? Go pick it up. When you come home, log a 10-minute walk. That's 10 minutes of exercise you got, that you might not have gotten otherwise.

Be well.

Like others have said, if you aren't under the treatment of a doctor, go see one. If you are under the care of a doctor and still depressed maybe you need another visit to adjust your treatment plan.

Exercise should be motivating. You should want to get up and do it. If you don't, try something else. I know the idea of walking a treadmill would not be motivating for me. Is there any reason you can't walk outside in your neighborhood or at a park or nature area? If you want to try classes, do it. You will make friends in class. You don't need to bring one. Watch through the window and see if it looks like something you can do and will enjoy. Next time get there a little early, tell the instructor you are new, and get moving. There are an endless amount of activities to try: martial arts, dance, cycling, kayaking, weight lifting, snow sports, just to name a few. There is something you love doing, you just have to find it.

3.2 is my "normal" pace, so your not far off.
Do you have a tablet (or smart phone) that you can stream video on? I've been watching Breaking Bad only on my tablet while on the treadmill.

A walk is never pointless. I would suggest trying to get outside instead of on a treadmill.

I have battled depression in the past. Through seeing my doctors, therapists and medication I managed it. Through some life changes I conquered it! Know that you are not alone, that is one thing I struggled with I really thought I was the only one who felt that way. I had feelings of darkness, no motivation to do anything, did not enjoy anything that I use to, feeling of just wanting to be alone, etc. If you have not talked to a doctor I would urge you to do so. As far as exercise, the fact that you have enough desire to post about it here shows that you are trying. Don't be too hard on yourself. Do what you feel. With my depression I would have such negative talk in my head and beat myself up about things I wasn't accomplishing. Celebrate the little things, you posted this - you are trying, you got up and walked! Ha ha - while I'm on the treadmill I watch inspirational YouTube videos lol Go online and look up different at home cardio workouts - there are tons of different styles. Try one that looks interesting to you, if you don't like it search for something else. I don't care for Yoga even though I know it's beneficial for me, I don't like Boxing even though it's a great workout, I don't like playing basketball, etc. Everyone is different. **I hope my rambling helped. You are not alone and don't let that self negative talk take over, you are great!

I have problems with anxiety and stress. Exercise usually helps, but sometimes I just can't do it. At times the thought of entering the gym has been terrifying. Sometimes I've gone but found it very hard to motivate myself to do anything, so sometimes I have sat on the bike peddling slowly. I had a PT for a while, started after an injury, but then kept with him for a year, just once every 2weeks to keep me motivated. I had a couple of months when I was really struggling but i went when I had an appointment, and early on we agreed that he wouldn't let me just cancel had to rearrange. Classes are good because it fixes you to a time to get there (I am so good at putting it off!). I like freestyle/ circuit style where you work at your own level and often get to throw things around lol!

I hope things improve

Nature or music, both of these help to make exercise more than just a grind. I am not depressed but getting on a treadmill seems like a dreary thing to me. Walking up high to see a view is good if you live where that is possible, the extra buzz from climbing and the reward of the view might help.

I do cardio classes at the gym and the music choices really help make it fun / uplifting, but if getting out of the house is too hard, try starting with dancey music playlists while you do chores and move with that .. or find some exercise to music on youtube.

I agree with the poster who said classes are good cos they FIX the commitment, I book in advance and somehow that commitment makes it more likely that I GO. This effect grows as you get to know other regulars in your class who you start to chat to etc.

Little steps are enough when you are depressed. Try to establish some good habits that you dont even have to think about. Music and nature can certainly help with that.