Working out and depression?

[Cocoxoxoxo]

Has working out helped any of you with your depression? If so, how often did you go?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

When I was younger in my early 30s working out in a gym gave me a buzz like a high helper with my mood swings made me feel good about myself so yes it help me a lot

[Cocoxoxoxo in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

I was going to the gym for months and I all of the sudden just stopped and I am really thinking about going back.

[Jackie_George in reply to Cocoxoxoxo]

Go back. I have always worked out. Even with injuries last year I started aqua aerobics. It really does help depression. Just walking and looking up at trees and buildings gives you a lift. The thought of exercise is often the hardest bit. Once you are there and have finished you will be naturally happier. please go and do something and post how you feel after. xx

[Cocoxoxoxo in reply to Jackie_George]

Thanks for the reply Jackie!

I just went back to the gym for the first time today in many months. It was okay, I am going to go tomorrow after work and see how I feel then. I hope that this works for me!

[Hidden]

Hi well I don't work out but I do take the dog out for nice long walks in the good weather and I find that helps with my depression. I think going anywhere or doing anything is much better than sitting at home doing nothing as it takes you out of yourself for a time. bev x

[Cocoxoxoxo in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply!

I do have a dog that is still considered a puppy and I take him out a lot to play fetch. Maybe I will taking him to the trails.

Thanks!

[europunter]

Regular exercise is great therapy for maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. It is not necessary to join a gym, 30 minutes of brisk walking per day is all that is required to maintain good health. Brisk walking is walking at a pace that you notice an increase in your heart beat and begin to perspire. Hardest part of any exercise program is getting out the front door!

[Hidden in reply to europunter]

Great advice but can I add something please? To get the maximum benefit when you are walking/dancing/exercise etc. you need to do it to a level where you are not too breathless to hold a conversation but too breathless to sing. Anything less and you are not getting the full benefit and anything more is pointless and could be offputting. Ok?

Oh and a experienced athlete once told me if you are running it is much better to do it on a soft surface ie grass as hard surfaces could impact your joints too much and cause future problems.

Bev x

[Gambit62]

One of the topsy turvy elements of depression is that the link between action and desire tends to get switched around. Normally people do things because they want to. With depression you often need to actually start doing something before you feel like you want to do it, so making sure that you do some physical activity can be really good for getting you motivated and that can actually help to lift your mood. It doesn't need to be the gym - have you thought about may be taking up a team sport - know that probably sounds really daunthing right now but there are a lot of Mind and other mental health support groups that set up things like football teams that really do help people with mental health problems - may be worth looking for something in your area.

[Hidden]

Working out so everyone says is good for you, I am back working out, it's so hard, I don't feel anything. My meds make me put on weight, so I go to the gym, my illness does not want me to go. I fight it, but then I get home and weigh myself and nothing changes.

I still hate myself, I go to the gym, but want to give up more as my weight has not changed, so what is the point.

You must try it, if it works for you then great, but don't get upset if it does not, keep trying, try cycling or walking.

Good luck

[deejames]

Yes yes yes. It could just be a walk or a full gym class with buckets of sweat. Exercise is proven to be a major help in depression