Running and mental health

[pinkgirl1234]

I'm at such a low point at the moment. I used to run and it did help me, plus I loved it. I stopped and haven't been able to get motivated to start again. It's been a cold winter here (NZ) but now that warmer weather is approaching, I need to take advantage of it and get started again.

Just asking for motivation - has running helped your mental health and if so, how?

Thanks

Ive never had MH issues but running does great things. I get time to think about life, ideas, all kinds of shit when im out there.

Do you have anyone you can run with? I often run in a group, up to about 10 people or just a small gang. We talk about this that and the other !

Thanks Coconutcake0

Wow - you've never had MH issues. I can't imagine what that's like. I've had anxiety and depression for so long that it just seems normal.

I haven't got anyone to run with but I don't mind that. I enjoy running by myself and where I (used to) run is lovely. I guess I just need to make that first step - literally.

Can you start with a walk? I find a fast paced walked (counting 1234 in my head to keep a rhythm) to be just as therapeutic, and if you wear your running gear you can break out into a run at intervals as you feel.
I feel that looking up at the sky, and at the very top of tall trees helps to make my problems seem less significant.

Only 2 things you need to do to get back into running. Put your trainers on. Open your front door.

If you do these two things you realise you may as well go for the run. If its 1 mile or 10 doesn't matter. You've gone for a run.

Shoes.
Door.

And running is my destresser. It keeps me mentally and physically fit and enables me to make healthy choices in other areas. I'm a better person as a runner.

Running definitely helps my mental health. When I stopped taking anti depressants one of the things I decided was that I would run at least twice a week. On the occasions I haven't (injury) I can feel the impact mentally.

Sometimes I have to trick myself into it, but things I do to help are:

• putting running clothes on as early as possible, so I am committed
• listen to comedy podcasts
• view it as 'time for myself '
• occasionally go with someone else.

I also find if I exercise I eat better, which I also think helps

Thank you for the replies.

I always sleep a lot better when I’m running, and that helps my mental health.

I tried running and I hate it. Tiring and boring and lonely. I feel useless that I’m out of breath after 80 seconds. I look horrible in active wear”. I’m fat. Fat people look awful when they run.

And then everyone tells me running will cure my depression and then I end up feeling lazy guilty and useless for not running and curing myself. It’s my fault Im still depressed too lazy to Go Running

I've always been a worrier. Even when I was little I worried about pretty much everything. Evolved into anxiety disorder, OCD like problems, eating disorder, bouts of depression.

A few years ago I had a very bad spell. I was very depressed and also suffering anxiety symptoms including panic attacks, obsessive coping behaviours and intrusive thoughts. Dark days. I was off work for months, struggled to speak or move.

GP suggested that I get outside and walk in the countryside as part of helping me to recover. This lead to me doing the Moonwalk with a friend and then it seemed almost logical to start running. I did c25k and honestly thought I'd be sick that first time. Just horrendous. But there was something that made me stick with it..... minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes....the first time I ran a mile without stopping I felt so proud! I ultimately managed Race for Life. Them a 10 k after a while longer. Another couple of 10ks then 2015 was "half marathon year" and I did 3 of the things. Then a full marathon in 2016 was The Best! I felt exhausted but utterly invincible finishing - here was objective evidence that I was not weak! I did another couple of marathons and then an ultra (50 miles) earlier this year.

Running has been my absolute saviour.

When I feel weak it makes me feel strong. When I feel anxious it gives my heart a good reason to beat fast. It makes me eat properly as I have to have fuel in me to get through the distance. There has never been a run that I have regretted. There has never been one that I have failed to come back from feeling better. I have heard running described as "meditation through movement" and this is what it means to me. I often count my steps as I run so it ends up being meditative and mindful. It slows down the crazy thoughts.

I am not a fast runner. I am always towards the back of the pack but I do not care. I used to think it'd be awful to finish an event last but it's not. I finished the ultra in last place but I still bloody did it, I finished. The race is not against anyone else, it is against the nasty voices in my head telling me I can't do it, that I am weak, that I am not enough. Running means I win the fight every time.

I've massively gone on here! I feel very passionate about running!

All the best, hope things are feeling better for you soon.

Oh Fluffy it's NOT your fault you have depression! You poor thing. Please don't beat yourself up. I can't see how doing something you hate would help?! It's not for everyone so don't beat yourself up. Be kind to yourself.

I'm in my late 50s & only started running 3 years ago and it has been life changing. I can't run without music so if I'm getting lazy I download new songs and constantly make new playlists.I always include metallic and muse. More recently Barns Courtney
which is a great album to run to.
I worry a lot but wouldn't say I've had any serious mental health issues I find running sets me up for the day. The thing I love most though is feeling fit and healthy also of course staying thin.You must remember that feeling of being fit and energised go get it back. After a month have a treat/reward yourself after reaching big goals and keep a diary so you can see your times improve. Good luck!

I have run pretty much every day as soon as I get up since the age of 15. I am 37 now. I cannot imagine not running.

Some days I am slow and ploddy but I don't care. I just like opening the door to the dawn and going. I always have my best ideas and solve my problems whilst running.

Even now work means I have to be up at 445 to fit it in and I still do it. I would feel totally crap if I didn't.

I have to agree with everything everyone has said. Some days I feel like I don’t want to go but as soon as I get out even for the shortest run I feel so much better. Also when I have lots happening in my life that is making my feels anxious, depressed or just overwhelmed - getting out running gives me space and time out for me. Hence my username!
Like edithdickie I ended up doing a marathon and felt so proud of myself - on the days I feel down I remind myself that I did it and I am actually stronger than I realise. But I’m not doing another or any ultra marathons Well done you.
Put your clothes on, put your shoes on and get out there and don’t worry about anyone or anything else.
fluffy Please don’t be hard on yourself. It so hard breaking the cycle. Could you find anyone to go for walks with? Get out that way. Or headphones and music or podcasts?

Don't over think it. Just put your trainers on and go.

I'm in my 50s and 6 years ago was obese, unfit and out of breath walking up a set of stairs. I had a treadmill which was an ornament and lay in a room for years and was dusted now and again.
I knew I had to get a grip as I didn't want to go out, socialise or meet anyone but was embarrassed about my size and felt very ugly.
I downloaded a podcast - Couch to 5k but found it too hard. I couldn't get past Week 3 and kept repeating Week 1 as I couldn't breathe after 30seconds - literally out of breath and having to spit the lactic acid out - very ladylike!
I tried Jillian Michael's DVD but spent more time watching it than doing it - I couldn't even get through the jumping jacks in the warm up!
But I persevered and dieted (5:2) and began losing weight, I saw the doctor and turned out I was very anaemic so was put on iron tablets. I kept a diary of how I was progressing so show how far I was going.
Anyway I was a lot slower getting there than most - it took me months to get to 5km - at a very slow jog and from treadmill to outside.
I got to 'normal weight' eventually but it does fluctuate -I seem to yo-yo a lot but the fitness stays with me.

I run alone with music - yes to Barns Courtney as well as Enrique, Paloma, Adele, Sia etc. The minimum I do is 5k and occasionally up to 10k - weather permitting 3-4 times a week and I'm much faster too.
But to your question!!!!! It absolutely has helped my mental health - it has made me more confident (even when my weight goes up!), I speak to people rather than avoid and as I go out first thing in the morning, I feel I can take on the world for the rest of that day. The days I don't run I really feel I've missed out.
Start slow, one step and you're already there!
Sorry - didn't mean to go on.

1200cals

that story has helped me too, thanks!

Yes, helped massively with anxiety.
Fluffy, have you tried couch to 5k? Everyone starts by mostly walking, with very short, like 15-30 seconds running in between. The most common mistakes beginners make are trying to run non stop without breaks to walk and running too fast. If your run is more than a shuffle it's probably too fast.

I completed couch to 5k a month back and have kept up with running 3 times a week. I am starting to feel stronger and am finding myself wanting to do more so yes it has helped. I run with a couple of friends. Don’t think I would have been motivated to keep going without them.

I'm another lucky one not to have mental health issues, but exercising definitely keeps me happier and a nicer person at home.

But running's not really for me - I don't see improvement fast enough, I get frustrated that I can't go as fast or as far as other people, and I come home full of self-loathing.

However, I do strength training, where I saw improvement and results really quickly, I go to a circuits class weekly and can keep up with everything (and go at my own pace/abilities). I go to yoga and see how my body can stretch a bit further (and some days it can't), plus I can completely be in me time and enjoy it.

So, running may be the right thing for you, or there might be something else that suits you better, but overall, you won't regret having a go.

Good luck xx

Running has stopped me going completely under. Problem is now the MH people tell me I over-exercise. Can't bloody win.

Running has got me through a really tough year, MH problems, family ill health and a sudden bereavement. I have awfully disordered eating & binge, running has curbed this mostly, with the odd lapse. At my worse with grief I was going out for 1-2hrs at a time and it stopped me mentally drowning.

Nearly 2 years ago I started trying to lose weight (officially morbidly obese), and took up walking. My DFriend then persuaded me to go to the gym with her, so started walking on a treadmill, tentatively progressing to C25k, it took me months. 18 months ago I couldn't run for 60 secs, completed my first 10K in September (slow, but I did it!).

Running is a way of transferring the feelings in my head through my body physically, partly you can rest your mind concentrating on the rhythm of each foot step as well as think about the everything with no real distractions. Being more active has lessened the insomnia, binge eating & and given me a natural high. Physically along with weight loss it has lowered my blood pressure, alleviated joint pain & acid reflux.

pinkgirl1234 Just put your shoes on & do it, set a small achievable target- then if you do more great! Even if you just set yourself a 10 min walk round the block. Don't think about how hard it is- think about how good you will feel after. Good Luck

Running has stopped me going completely under. Problem is now the MH people tell me I over-exercise. Can't bloody win.

I can totally relate to this. I am not sure how I managed mentally before I started running.

Now I am shit scared that when I get older I won't be able to run anymore for whatever reason, and I just don't know how I'd cope.

I run every other day at least, short or long, it doesn't matter for me to get the mental and physical benefits.

Panda
I am a runner. When I was injured and panicked about not being able to get the buzz, I took up swimming. It wasn't (and isn't) the same, but it does now give me a similar buzz and escape.

You will find something.

www.amazon.co.uk/Running-My-Life-built-better-ebook/dp/B06XWMBR4V?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Just finished this book about a lady with depression.
Ask your library to order it in for you (free) or under a fiver at Amazon EBay etc.
Inspiring. And plenty laughs too.

"Throughout her life, Rachel Cullen followed a simple yet effective route straight to mental health misery. Suffering from bipolar disorder, and hungry for approval at any price, she settled for flunked relationships, an ill-fitting career, and poor health to match"