How important is exercise in dealing with depression?

[terrya]

I've drastically cut down on alcohol. So, getting rid of that destructive way to deal with my depression, I'm substituting food.

I'm wondering if I should start some sort of exercise program. Or just get some sort of exercise.

Thanks

[ThingsGottaChange]

1. Exercise is supposed to be very good for depression

If you have the motivation, then go for it! Unfortunately, I've been too depressed for too long to give a shit about exercise.

[no name no slogan]

2. It kept me healthy all spring

exercise can be as good as some meds and other lifestyle choices. Even 30 mins 3-4x a week will help. You will feel a ton better and the pounds will drop off, even if your diet doesn't change that much.

Best of luck terrya :toast:

[EFerrari]

3. It's the just about the only time I can count on feeling sort of normal.

It's helped me a great deal -- even the times when I had to drag myself out on those walks.

[Larissa238]

4. It doesn't make a difference to me as far as I can tell

The car was broken for about a month and a half, and I have been walking about a mile a day to get to work and home. The problem I have / had with it is that when I get home, I have no energy to do anything else. I just eat and go to sleep. Then again, I'm not in good shape and it was pushing me towards exhaustion. I don't recommend that at all. On the plus side, the SO was sick and I didn't get sick, but I still went hypomanic, mixed, and then depressed. I don't know if the exercise played any part in it or not, I just know that I still got the mood swings.

[mrgorth]

5. IMO

if you are seriously depressed going for a jog isn't going to make you better but getting fatter (as anti-deps sometimes do) can make you more depressed. So, it is good for you and you should do it but don't expect miracles.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

6. If you can get to a gym...

And get some coaching and start hitting the weights, for full body conditioning, several things will happen:

1. You will sleep better.

2. You will create more endorphins, natures anti-depressant.

3.In time, about 6 weeks, you will notice you look better. This will increase self-esteem and self-image. These are Good Things.

4. Weight Training has an aerobic component.

5. In time, if pilates are offered, give that a try for core conditioning. Get that 6-Pack of Death. Make men jealous. Make women weak-kneed. ;-)

6. For longer term eercise benefits, try some form of martial arts. Great exercise, and you get a skill set to boot. More self-esteem. Nothing wrong with that.

[soleft]

7. It's definitely helped me

Thinking back when I had major depression, I can't imagine having been able to exercise with any regularity. But a cost of being so sedantary was that I gained A LOT of weight. Years after the depression abated I still had the weight hanging on, and it's only not after having excerised for a couple of years that it's come off.

What I've learned tho over these two years is that the physical activity makes me feel physically well, and that helps with stress and tension and I think gives me a feeling of well being.

So whatever you can do. I started slowly. A few days at the gym, exercise bike, swimming, then eventually I started weight traing, and eventually joined a softball team.

Good luck!

[CBHagman]

8. Talk to your doctor and work out a plan.

Exercise has so many positive benefits, regardless of what you're going through in life, that I regard it as a non-negotiable element. Mind you, I had to have a life-threatening condition before I reached that point of view, but there you have it.

And yes, exercise is a natural anti-depressant. It won't be the only thing you need/use, but it pays off in multiple ways -- weight control, flexibility, stamina, breaking up your routine. You'll notice that it improves your stamina and your mood.

I hope you find something you like and go with that. But as always, check with your doctor about any concerns.

Good luck!