[Mogeii]

I know when I was in my major depression slump I HATED the people around me who said if I exercised I would feel better. Some days I would have enough energy to go for a walk or two and it never made me feel better. But as I got more into the moderate depressive area thanks to meds and time I blew off exercise because I thought it if didnt work when it is really bad why would it work when its not quite as bad? Well now that im on a decent med regiment and feel 90% depression free I have started a fairly rigorous exercise plan. Every day, alternating between weights and cardio. I can say that for depression it really does keep me more up beat and gives me more positive thinking and energy. In fact if im late to the gym I begin to feel jittery which I like because it means my body wants it. So if you are severely depressed, I am not being one of those "JUST EXERCISE AND SMILE" people, because trust me I know that when its real bad, your energy will not allow any kind of exercise. But if you are in between, give it a shot, and more than just walks. Try some biking or running cardio and even light weight lifting. I like those goofy articles that say exercise is as effective as most antidepressants. That's such a silly way to put it lol. For mild-moderate depression, I imagine this to be true, but for severe depression when you can barely get out of bed and bathe the thought that taking a jog around the neighborhood is better than getting a doctor to give you an antidepressant seems absurd to me haha.

I will add however, if you have anxiety issues like I do with your depression, at least in my case your anxiety might be a little jumpy when you start working out. Obviously you are raising your heart rate and if you are lifting you may feel some pains which for some, again like me, are anxiety triggers. The good news is now when my anxiety is giving me trouble about pain or a fast heart rate I have an excuse for it lol. That kinda keeps it at bay. I know im not saying anything shocking to anyone here, but maybe a suggestion from someone who is in it with you. Also, if you get ANY relief from exercise, its worth it because when you get more relief from meds/therapy/time you can look back and say wow, i did something really really good for me while still depressed. That's my main goal anyway. The less depression takes from my life, the more I feel able to fight it, and if I can get physically HEALTHIER while still having minor-moderate depressive episodes thats a goal I can look back at and really take pride in. Hang in there friends, and if you aren't on the edge, keep going strong .

[hartbroken]

I wish I had a buddy to work out with. It would make so much easier. I'm severely depressed and I actually believe exercise will help me, but I'm too lazy to do it. Or maybe not lazy, just don't have the energy.

[Blue Poppy]

I know that feeling, being so low that you cannot get yourself out of bed let alone out the door to go for a run. I was going downhill fast in early July and had no motivation to exercise. However, I was so afraid that I was going to hit the bottom, that the fear inside was enough for me to get up and go for a walk. I felt better afterwards, so I went for another walk the next day. It is almost a month later and I walk everyday and alternate running and mountain biking in the evenings. It helps that I can exercise in our community forest, surrounded by nature and peace and quiet. I think, though I am not yet certain, that I am averting the mood that was coming. So, I will jump on that bandwagon and say, yeah for exercise!

[dg1983]

I agree that exercise does make a difference. Sometimes when I am in a horrible mood, I would force myself to the gym but then I would become very discouraged or irritated by some of the rude people in there...I wouldnt be able to concentrate. Instead I go to the trails and run alone with nature surrounding me. And instead of the goodlife gym, I go to the community centre, where the people are MUCH friendlier.