exercise and depression

[bforshaw]

would be grateful if you could share your views on how exercise helps to treat depression

if you believe it does or not?

What you feel are the main limitations to using exercise?

in what ways does it help a person?

Also please take the time to take my survey as part of my research

 http://http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PRDPXGT

[Stormy]

I have replied, particularly as my GP was very surprised to hear how much exercise I do when I was diagnosed with depression.

I exercise for 2 hours at a time twice, sometimes three times a week and I don't find it makes me feel much better. I play a team sport and I go to practice because I enjoy it while I'm there (probably because I'm distracted) and I don't want to let my team mates down.

My GP said it's a great way to feel better, but I don't think it is working for me!

[Zaf]

I replied too, my first breakdown was when I was physically very active, the only form of 'exercise' I find useful when depressed is to walk in the countryside, somewhere quiet in trees, more the location than the exercise benefits me in that case I think

[chilliconcarnage]

Ive started going down the gym again (Mirtazapine god damn you! :)), and I do find that it helps with Anxiety, not so sure about depression though. When I first had my depresive episode (and was really down), i used to like to walk along the shore just listening to the waves. and the gentle 'clink' of the boats rigging. It the place you do exercise whilst depressed which can make you feel better. Hours pounding away at the treadmill indoors with rubbish lighting and loud music is worthless for depression in my opinion. Fresh air, nature, walks, running etc are best i think.

Running is good for mental strength. When you run you get the inner dialogue saying "Bloody hell ive got to stop in a minute im knackered", but you push yourself to go that bit further. Its not just about moving the legs its quite a mental challenge, and if beaten will make you feel uplifted ( and tired and able to sleep :))

[Spid]

I have exercised most of my life and it has never helped more than the time I'm actually doing it - it's more a distraction thing. I love Zumba but it doesn't lift my mood at all other than when I do it and I can't do it for hours a day it would physically kill me. I love a quiet walk with tranquility ad the opportunity to sit and take in the world (preferably with no people in it) - that's always a better tonic.

[Holykimura]

I have been active all my life mainly through martial arts and have achieved a lot through this. I once won a world championship event, wow I was fit and strong then. Nowadays I tend to play football which is less competitive and is a team sport I enjoy it because I feel I get a real work out. I also try and walk my dog at least once a day for an hour. I have also used the treadmill at home but find this really boring as is going to the gym.

I have also put shed loads of weight on mainly due to quetiapine which I think is counter productive but that's another story, but I also have a sweet tooth so my diet has been a little poor 

But back to the point I feel it gives you a sense of achievement and I have noticed the difference once I have exercised, and my partner has said the same.

[afshapes]

I find exercise helps but as.mentioned it depends on the type of exercise you do.  I used to be a fanatical surfer but stopped when I got depressed, mainly due to fact it wound me up ! I decided to take up climbing and mountaineering and this really worked for me.  Learning something new helps focus the mind and I find climbing makes you think very much in the now and blocks silly stuff out.  I also do circuit training which I find reduces a build up of anger/frustration/negativity. Swimming is nice too !

[onefootindarkness]

Done the survey    Personally I don't really find it helps at all. I do at least a hour 6 days a week but it doesn't lift my mood, the main reason I still do it is because I'm terrified of gaining weight 

[Jae]

The first time I ever went to my GP with suicidal feelings, the only thing she said to me was "go and join a gym" .. which wasn't really the help I needed at that time.  I had always been a very active person, but ended up in a situation that was outside of my control which eventually brought these feelings on, and really the last thing I felt like doing was joining a gym .. what I really needed was to be able to talk to someone who understood what I was going through at the time (and I had no help whatsoever from my doctors in finding that help, I had to find it myself  )

[Sweetpea]

Its a ridiculous thing for your dr to say, I know it is supposed to help, but when I am bad I struggle to even get out of bed let alone join a gym .  Have to say my dr is very good, he has never said anything like that to me, he advised me to try councelling, which I am doing and finding it very helpful.  I also walk our dogs, it is very theraputic for me just being out in the countryside ambling along.  The dogs love it to.

S x

[Zaf]

When I'm at my worst I cant even open a door to look outside let alone go to the gym!   Even now I struggle to get out for a walk on a nice day, it would be useful if doctors actually understood the illness 

[Sigh]

I've completed the survey too.

For me the biggest problem is being bothered to exercise, or being bothered do just anything to be honest.

[Zaf]

I know what you mean

[emmietaylor]

i think it helps to an extent but i find it really difficult somedays and other days i am fine. But then I just end up getting more physically exhausted as my body is not always repairing it's self from previous activities so i end up pushing myself into complete exhaustion and paying for it with either a flu, infection or something worse. damn u body. So i keep it low and gentle, i.e a a half hours light walk round the block is a billon times better for me and doesn't put to mucjh pressure on my back/shoulders and knee.   I find going out in the evening for a walk helps. I never would join the power walkers and I hate under all circumstances getting hot and sweaty in the bloody/ruddy gym with a bunch of skinny size 6s. (UK size)