Here i am, still battling my depression. What an odd illness, all I want is to sleep. But I know I have to run. Running away from depression is the one race I am determined to win.
My mind is not there, my body... where to start, looks like I havent moved in 2 years... in fairness I havent ... but my heart is still beating, and I will be running , not because I want to be slimmer or fitter, but because I want to be happier, and I want my mental health back.
This time I am not stopping. Enough.
Thanks for reading!
Written by
MariaSpain
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Keep going. Well done. Depression is awful and so is anxiety. I know that feeling of not wanting to get out of bed! Just live in the moment, be nice to yourself and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You'll get there xx
I've not been feeling great myself recently but the running is definitely helping to focus my thoughts away from the negative. Keep going it will make a difference.
Well done for getting out there. I know what you mean about staying in bed, I’m like that too but I’ve got up got out and now my next run is W7R2.Still battle every day but it really does help. Good luck with your journey you can do this 👍🏃♀️xxx
Still here with my own Black Dog. You’re right, running is great for keeping depression and anxiety in reasonable bounds. Try to relax and enjoy it: don’t force yourself on. You’ll get more benefit that way. Keep us posted - we’re all on your side x
You are in the right place and doing the right thing, I have no doubt. I've been struggling the past few weeks too but the headspace running has given me has allowed me to make some tough decisions about how I'm going to live my life, which I'm hoping will have a positive effect on my anxiety. I will probably travel with my Black Dog all my life, but perhaps when we're running we will stand a chance of being a few places in front! All the very best and do keep checking in with us all.
I’ve also had issues and have felt very down for a long while. I am finding the running makes me feel proud of myself, gives me more confidence and self worth.
Whilst I still have bad spells I am definitely happier and feel clearer and more in control.
Thanks Kim, running makes me feel proud too, I am really happy you are feeling better, and I do like you want to feel more in control. Thank you for taking the time to comment, much appreciated !
I am fortunate and do not suffer myself but after hearing great reviews, Chris Evans breakfast show, I am currently reading a book called Jog on written by Bella Mackie. Check it out on amazon, there is an 18 page preview so you can get a notion of what it’s like, although to be fair it doesn’t do it justice. She talks about her life long struggles and credits running, along with medication and CBT with saving her life. It’s an excellent read.
You fantastic woman, well done for being in charge of it and doing what’s best for your body and mind. The link between the physical and mental is huge, and when we are poorly in one we have to look after the other.
I only get a glimpse of what it must be like as my 23yr old son has Aspergers. He has depression and anxiety. Keep going and well done so far, your candour helps inspire others.
I so hope this is helping you, my son has terrible depression and anxiety. Talking about it is a great step too, so keep running and keep talking and let us all know how it’s going x
I just wanted to tell you well done and that I admire you very much. I don’t have suffer from depression myself, but close relatives of mine do. They both use fitness and running to help their mindset. I was only thinking this morning that my general mood is so much more positive since I’ve been running.
Keep going ! Your fighting back which is good. I too suffer with depression and for the last 2 weeks I’ve been Very low n didn’t run. I went bk to w3 yesterday and I’m glad I’ve picked myself up
Its so difgicult when all youcwant to do is curl up in corner and hide from the world. Please run, it does help. Im now on w7r2, who would have thought I could run for 25 minutes and the endorphin release dies make me feel better. Good luck with your running, try smiling when running, it makes a difference x
I know how you are feeling Maria. I suffer with anxiety, but running gives me the realise I need to control it. You’re not alone, keep up your running. Good luck.
You are doing great!!! Well done for sharing - you can see how great this community is. Here to help!
Try reading Eat Drink Run by Bryony Gordon. She gets you! She is you. Good luck and keep running. It does help. You can do this. #thisgirlcan #thisgirlwill
You should be immensely proud of keeping up the running. I have suffered twice with depression and know that feeling, so much worse than anything physical. I am a counsellor now and have the privilege of walking alongside others who also struggle. Keep going and care for yourself as well as you can. Just one hour at a time and one foot in front of the other. Thinking of you today.
Good on you. And even on the days when you don’t feel like getting up, let alone running, try to muster the strength to put on your shoes and go for a walk; you may even feel like a little jog to celebrate that you are managing this! We are all supporting you!
Hi after another long period of depression myself . I started to do C25k. To help maintain a more positive wellbeing. It definitely help me . So keep going . As you can see by the many post you are not alone with this annoying battle that is depression.
Well done for getting out there, Marie, and for being brave enough to post. I have had a battle with social anxiety and depression for most of my adult life and I have tried various therapies and treatment with varying success. Running has definitely helped me in lots of ways - to get fitter/slimmer and feel better about my body, a sense of achievement every time I reach a goal (from graduating C25K to running my first 10k race!) and to feel connected to other people - here on this forum, and at Park Run. I have recently started to reduce my antidepressants as I really feel that running is my new medicine. Good luck with your journey 😊
Go, my girl, go!!! Oh, I know, I have been there, too weak in both body and mind to walk to the park. And nobody can do it for you, no one can fight your demons but you. It is a solitary battle and a heroic one. And so worth it!! So, so worth it. Half Marathon bagged last Sunday and the mean but wonderful Lamer Tree Half coming in a couple of weeks! Depression is an insidious and extremely debilitating illness. But it can be overcome. One of our best weapons is exercise and compassion to ourselves. Treat yourself like you would treat someone you care for, or the little girl you once were. Give that little girl good things: nature, play, crafts, soft clothes, cake!
A few things that helped me to get the Hell out there:
Good running kit. Something that feels like a second skin and makes you feel like a runner. As cute as you can. Feel good in your running kit.
A shitty run is way better than no run at all. However, nothing more frustrating than lead leg day. It usually comes down to not enough sleep, not enough water, not enough glycogen- comes from carbs- stored in your muscles. So eat, sleep, drink- water!- and run.
Your phone is your friend. The day before a run, check the weather, decide where you are going- try to go to the most beautiful places you can possibly can!- prepare your kit and set 2 alarms: one to get ready, another to leave the house and- this is key- DON'T THINK. If you start thinking, you are done. It also helped me to do 10 minutes of cardio at home before getting through the door. It got the adrenaline rushing and I didn't feel so bad when stepping outside. Check running events in your area and sign up for one of them. Something special, something that looks fun, like a Halloween run in the dark. The running community are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Run, love yourself and rise above this thing.
I just would like to thank every one of you for your support and kind words.
This makes a huge difference. For an introvert like me (yes, Spanish can be introverts it was a huge deal to speak up. It has taken me years to say it.
I have learnt a lot from you: 2 books, tips, and that very important emotional support.
You all are really wonderful- thank you, whoever , whenever you are.
Hi mariaspain, just wondered how you were doing and to let you know I graduated today. Hope you are still managing to run, definitely helped to keep my mood more stable 😀
Hi, thanks so much for checking. Not doing well. Had a relapse. What can I say, this is more difficult than I expected. My meds have gone up, so I am back at walking.
Your reply meant a lot, thanks for caring and asking, really appreciated.
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