[materialsrme]

I started an exercise program to loose weight. I noticed that for about 6 hours afterwords my debilitating depression that hasn't responded to any treatment almost disappeared. So I decided to do vigorous exercise for 45 minutes twice a day. I am very tired during the day but I'm not very depressed and my anxiety is much lower. The hardest part is the depression is begging me not to right before I start to work out. Ive lost about 50 lbs in about a month and a half. I'm sort of worried that this will turn into some sort of obsession.

Hi Materialsrme,

There have been several studies which prove that regular exercise helps with depression. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which interact with the receptors in your brain and triggers a positive feeling in the body. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as "euphoric." That feeling, known as a "runner's high," can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook.

Twice a day may be a little too much if you are excercising seven days a week. Your body needs time to recover and repair itself especially if you are weight lifting. When you lift weights, you are actually breaking down the muscle and so it needs at least 48 hours to repair itself. That's how increased muscle mass is attained. If you are working different muscle groups each day, then that's okay. Just don't work the same muscles every day.

I work out five days a week and like you, I find that my overall outlook is generally happier.

Congrats on your weight lost!

[lily56]

It is awesome that you lost that weight plus the heavy weight of depression. Sounds like there was a little resistence from the depression not wanting you to exercise? I don't think this will be an obcession but if it is it's a healthy one! Keep up the good work!

[depressedalaskan]

Originally Posted by materialsrme

I started an exercise program to loose weight. I noticed that for about 6 hours afterwords my debilitating depression that hasn't responded to any treatment almost disappeared. So I decided to do vigorous exercise for 45 minutes twice a day. I am very tired during the day but I'm not very depressed and my anxiety is much lower. The hardest part is the depression is begging me not to right before I start to work out. Ive lost about 50 lbs in about a month and a half. I'm sort of worried that this will turn into some sort of obsession.

All I can say is Job Well Done!!!! Hugs for your day.

[googley]

I'm glad you are feeling better.

[Seabirdanne]

Originally Posted by materialsrme

I started an exercise program to loose weight. I noticed that for about 6 hours afterwords my debilitating depression that hasn't responded to any treatment almost disappeared. So I decided to do vigorous exercise for 45 minutes twice a day. I am very tired during the day but I'm not very depressed and my anxiety is much lower. The hardest part is the depression is begging me not to right before I start to work out.

Amen to that!!! I've found exercise helps with everything -- sleep issues, anxiety, depression, etc. And it's true -- the worst part is that you're so depressed, anyway, that it's really hard to make yourself get started. But you have to. You just have to.

[justfloating]

My counsellor was after me to exercise more when my depression was at its worst. You're right, the hardest part is getting yourself motivated to actually do it. I ... uh, lack that motivation. But my walk from my residence to class every day was always my favourite part of the day, because even that light exercise left my mood lifted for a little while. Exercise is good for you as long as you're being healthy about it -- don't overdo it and make sure you're eating a healthy, balanced diet. If you're concerned that you might be harming yourself through exercise or that there might be healthier approaches, you can always make an appointment with your doctor, or some gyms can set you up with a regime specifically tailored to your needs.

Congrats on the weight loss!

[bridgie]

I too try to work out on a regular basis as it was helping my mood. I know I need something I don't see a pdoc for another week and my depression is interfering in life. I'm so tired I only exercise a lttle where before I'd go a lot longer.

[lynn P.]

There's no doubt that exercise improves depression and your over all quality of life. I applaud you for having the motivation. Dnesch and Justfloating also gave advice. Incorporating weight training in addition to regular cardio is the easiest and fastest way to get in shape. Dnesch in right that you should not weight train the same muscle groups 2 days in a row. I like to do upper body one day, then lower body.
I just finished watching a very interesting local show on how exercise improves the brain, learning and behavior in school children. There's an interesting book called Spark and it states that exercise creates new 'neuro transmitters' and new brain cells. A high school teacher developed a program on an Indian reservation where most of the children there have learning challenges. After implementing a cardio vascular program it was revealed that they all improved in concentration, comprehension and over all learning and test scores - pretty impressive!!
Congratulations in being pro-active in your own health. I always exercise not to lose weight because I'm fortunate to be naturally thin - it's wonderful that you're losing weight but also do it to be a healthier person. Keep up the great work!!

[Naturefreak]

I'm proud of you (((materialsrme))) Good work .

[turquoisesea]

I'm so glad!

It makes me really want to get on the exercise thing. Thank you for the encouragement!

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

I'm so glad!

It makes me really want to get on the exercise thing. Thank you for the encouragement!

As they say in the famous NIKE Ad

Just Do It

[Ratanddragon]

Exercise is working for me also to a degree....the mood swings still happen and I still get down, but the oscillation up and down isn't as severe, and the downs don't seem to last as long. I've lost @ 40lbs myself as an added bonus. All the best, good luck.

[Sabrina]

You have achieved a lot. Well done on your weight loss and exercise regime. Since I have been gyming for 2 years, I have also lost a lot of weight and have been able to keep my depression at bay. I really believe exercising does help. It is a bit of a catch 22 though because it seems to be harder and harder to get the motivation to exercise even knowing it helps.

Do take care not to become too extreme with your exercise regime and weight loss efforts, for this will defeat the purpose of beating your depression.

Well done again.