[fitgirl]

Hey all!

I am reaching out to talk to other athletes with MI. Ever since my diagnosis 7 years ago, I have lost all of my passion for athletics. It is now a chore for me to do what I used to, and I find myself doing less, and less.

Has anyone had this problem? How did you handle it?

Thank you!
Lisa

I wouldn't call myself an athlete but I was once extremely active when it came to outdoor pursuits. But, I had money then. I just no longer have the means to be that active anymore. I want to though.

Not an athlete no, but I do sport most days.

When my depression was at it's worst I had to force myself to exercise, depression robs us of joy and motivation - you don't write what your dx is, but depression can do this.

What helped me was loosening off my expectations, I wasn't going to be as fast/fit as before, so instead of beating myself up I had to accept that, just getting out there is an achievement - make sure you acknowledge that achievement. Exercising with friends helped too, as did taking up some new activities, adding some variance. If you haven't tried those approaches already it might be worth a go.

Exercise really has helped me cope with a rough patch, but the motivation has been a struggle.

Good luck!

[Yzen]

I feel the similar to you, Lisa. I haven't found that passion since the severity of my MI increased. Some things I have tried:

1. I have a morning routine where I do some weight training (even if it is 5 minutes with dumbbells). Feeling the strength in my muscles sometimes gives me a spark to do other physical activities during the day. If anything, it keeps some strength in the muscles.
2. I try to find ways to move. I walk or move furniture or clean.
3. I have been trying to do more activities that are new or in a different setting....such as trying a new sport or hiking in a park I haven't visited before.

I tried to set goals but that isn't working for me. Consistency isn't easy right now.

[eskielover]

When my depression was bad, I was still doing my dressage horse back riding, lessons & practicing for shows. I would get lost in riding my horse while I was there doing it. I didn't understand it at the time but my depression was so bad & I felt trapped in my marriage & suicide attempts were what in my thinking was my only real escape. I remember times when I failed, was in the hospital & going over in my mind with the dressage test printed out for the show I had signed up for that next weekend.

I survived those years...no idea how but riding did help some & my horse helped a lot. Looking back & understanding what was really going on in my life now is very interesting in putting the pieces together