Running 4 mental health

[Lisa05]

Hi just completed first run. Had to drag myself out to do it but did it all the same. I decided to do this as I suffer from terrible depression and anxiety. Doctors answer seems to be pills. Hoping this will be better in the longer term. Does anyone run for the same reason?

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Yes

[Squeakypoptest Graduate]

Yes- and it really helps me. I am often properly happy for a good 12-24 hours after a run. If I am feeling terrible and I force myself outside to run, it always helps. Always. Well done! Go for it x

[Lisa05 in reply to Squeakypoptest]

That's great to hear good for you too keep going

[Squeakypoptest Graduate in reply to Lisa05]

you too

[Irish-John Graduate]

We all have our demons I think. Some have bigger and worse than others. Running has certainly helped me keep mine firmly in place. There are so many good reasons to run, just take it Slow and steady and you too will enjoy them, believe me.

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Yes, it does really help plus it helps me to sleep better too!

[sigasiga Graduate]

Well done you! I do hope running will help your mental health.

[ClareO65 Graduate]

My husband says that of all the things he has tried (therapy, pills etc) the thing that most helps is exercise including running and yoga. Good luck in your quest. Keep persevering.

[HelsN68]

I don’t suffer with depression but can feel low quite often. I have definitely noticed a big improvement in my mood. I feel happier, more efficient at work/home and more fulfilled, probably because I have a goal now rather than plodding along in the daily grind! Good luck with the rest of week 1 and keep us posted. 😀🏃‍♀️

[WildflowerJo]

Definitely helps me - I think small achievements on a regular basis really helps with keeping you feeling good about yourself! Running is great for this - and don’t let yourself self-sabotage - force yourself to go even if you don’t feel like it (unless you’re injured) as you will feel a lot better after you’ve done it!

[EB43 Graduate]

I find running keeps me on an even keel and helps with the stresses from the rest of my life that can affect my mental health rather than being a cure in itself. My daughter suffers from severe anxiety and depression and we run together on this programme as it gives us space to talk and it seems to really boost her mood. She hasn’t stopped other medication but is finding it helps her cope differently than she could before so that may happen in the future.

Take it slowly and think of it as an additional element in your armourment. Good luck and do come back to the forum as it’s really good for support.

[MScRun]

Hi, I have anxiety and am on 10mg of citalopram for it. I don't want to be on an SSRI for the long term so running is my way of releasing endorphins without pills! And I've found it works!

[Sarah5k Graduate]

Yes. I’ve found it has really helped me. It’s given me a big confidence boost as well.

Well done for making a start - that’s the hardest part. x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome.

Running can boost your mood hugely. It makes me smile.

This guide may be useful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

No but it has been a definite positive side effect for me! Anxiety and depression definitely have subsided!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

I no longer consider myself "clinically depressed" which is the label I was handed many years ago. I never took pills. I did lots of talking therapies and have learnt a lot of coping skills and made huge changes in my life to be more positive and happier.

Since doing c25k I can definately feel mood lifting benefits and I now understand how exercise really does help with low mood.

You're on a good path. Good luck with the programme.

Oh... something that was said to me very early after being handed that label; you might be depressed, but you don't have to be depressed about it. It was so true. In my journey through the black stuff I have become a kinder, nicer person, I've learned so much about people and myself. It was actually a great outcome from a difficult situation 👍😁