Mental Health & Fitness

Silkysausage
Silkysausage Posts: 502 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
I started my fitness journey last August (2016) after suffering from Post Viral Fatigue for 10 years. A few days before my 41st birthday I joined my local gym and started on the bike, rowing, running & isolation machines to build some strength. My new programme is geared towards gains/cardio. I go 3 times per week and do kettle bells, TRX suspension rows, push ups, planks, bike & rowing whilst on the alternative day I bike, low row, 45 degree leg press, military press & chest press.

Last December I had a really horrid virus for 6 weeks, it was that bad I went to the GP with what I thought was pneumonia. Then I immediately got what I though was gastritis, then the most evil sacroilliac pain ever for 2 weeks and then ended up in A&E with a gallstone attack. I suspect low iron levels now too for the past week.

My mental health is suffering in the past month and I've had to give up both businesses a break as my fatigue/low iron/health issues/anxiety are hammering me. I'm off to see my GP tomorrow to get a blood test and see if I need to go back on anti-anxiety meds after I came off them last year.

In the meantime I'm sitting at home, looking at YouTube videos of others doing exercise and wishing I could just be getting my gains, being healthy both inside & out. Maybe I'll keep up the gym but not push myself so hard, a little cardio & lower the weights on the machines for now.

Anyone else feeling the same?

Replies

  • nrbutton
    nrbutton Posts: 165 Member
    I'm bipolar which comes with an array of symptoms that come and go. My highs usually result in high levels of energy mixed with anxiety, insomnia, and obsessive behaviors. My lows are basic depression symptoms like overeating, desire to sleep 12 or more hours, and doom and gloom thoughts. Getting to know my cycles has helped manage them without medication, but the most crucial thing that has kept me even is working out. Whether I'm up or down, exercise evens out my moods and greatly reduces my anxiety. I would suggest exercise, even if it's just a daily walk, to help manage all manners of psychological issues.
  • Silkysausage
    Silkysausage Posts: 502 Member
    I've got that 'go hard or go home' mentality as I really want gains but sometimes have to settle for less. It's getting that balance and thought process in place without feeling down about it.
  • ConquerAndBloom
    ConquerAndBloom Posts: 94 Member
    I also have bipolar, along with anxiety/depression/PTSD, it's a fun mix. I definitely struggle with keeping up with my diet and staying active on an almost daily basis, so I understand what you mean. I have the "go hard or go home" mentality as well, I've always been the kind of person who feels that if it's not done perfect, it's not worth doing at all. SUPER destructive mentality that will get no one anywhere! So I'm learning to compromise with myself, and it seems to be helping. I wish you all the luck!
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