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Mental health

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Original poster

depression and exercice

14 replies

eastendgirl · 30/08/2006 20:32

Beginning to realise that I might be suffering from mild depression, has anyone managed to feel better without using medication? Used to be a regular jogger, stopped with the kids, used to make me feel soooo good, maybe I shoud start again? Basically I want to know if anybody beat depression by taking up jogging.

OP posts:

motherinferior · 30/08/2006 20:33

Yes: exercise is widely recognised as very good for depression. I know it's an absolutely vital element of my mental health; when I stop swimming and then start again it's like Prozac, and I email my best mate and she emails back saying 'er yes, this happens every time, you numpty...'

dinosaur · 30/08/2006 20:33

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Kidstrack · 30/08/2006 20:34

i keep fairly fit at the gym, and if i have an off day it always lifts me when i go to the gym, think its also a good ME time hobby to do something different other than having a baby brain!

satine · 30/08/2006 20:34

A friend of mine was told by her doctor to do regular, vigorous exercise to help with depression. It really really works - I start to get really stressed if I haven't had a chance to have a work out for a while.

alexa1 · 30/08/2006 20:43

Yes excercise is vital for depression whether mild or not. I used to work out at the gym 3 times a week and continued to do so whilst pg with my DS who's 1. I used to go to the gym while my DD was in nursery, but since the baby has come along I cant seem to get there often enough and if I go once a week I'll be lucky.

I haven't been to the gym for about 5 weeks now and my depression has crept back and I feel worse. Somehow I'm gonna have to start organising my time better and getting back into a regular routine again. I feel sooooooo much better when I've done a workout.

expatinscotland · 30/08/2006 20:48

i do need meds. BUT exercise helps a lot.

i walk 5 miles a day - to and from work. sometimes, i sort of don't feel like it, but i still push myself and usually feel better after the first mile.

dandycandyjellybean · 30/08/2006 20:56

I have suffered quite major depression on and off during most of my adult life, and there is no way of escaping the fact that exercise is absolutely vital to my mental well being. I view it as just as important if not essential as my daily a/d and try to fit in at least 2 or 3 sessions a week at the gym/pool. It really, really helps to keep me sane.

Vindaloo · 30/08/2006 20:57

I had a type of post viral fatigue syndrome for about 8 months all in all. I had to take at least 6 months off work which was hard financially/emotionally and was pretty depressed on top of having getting on with things as a single mum. I joined the gym 2 weeks ago and I can feel the benefits already, I dont feel I have this big black cloud over my head. I never thought I would be saying how fantastic excercice is not just physically but mentally/emotionally.

alexa1 · 30/08/2006 21:02

Excercise releases a chemical from the brain (endorphins I think) which is a feel good chemical.

I also think that when we excercise we psychologically know we have done something good so feel good if u know what I mean.

Original poster

eastendgirl · 30/08/2006 21:12

Wow, thank you for your kind words. Off to buy some trainers tomorrow and hopefully will move away from this big black cloud hovering over me. And now back to my booze.

OP posts:

calebsmummy · 31/08/2006 19:39

I have just come off ADs and now wanting to start some kind of exercise but not easy with a DH who works away during the week and 3 children, 2 very young. Have decided though I am going to don my trainers next week and while DS2 is at nursery, I am going to put DS3 in the 3 wheeler and run around the village (I shall get a name for myself around here , but I will feel good for it)

Vindaloo · 02/09/2006 21:37

Calebsmummy - what a great idea!! I found a gym that has a creche, which is quite cheap, that might help you if you have got your kids with you.

calebsmummy · 03/09/2006 07:45

Vindaloo, I am thinking about the gym as DS2 will now be at nursery every morning, but needed something a bit more accesible to start with. Exercise does help so much, but as pretty much all of you know, it's not easy with young children.

Another thing I have done in the past is to buy a skipping rope. Great, free exercise (and you can do it while watching TV )

Mind you, I know I am at the stage where I have the drive to go and exercise. Many people with depression simply can't! I have had those days/weeks where I have had to drag myself out of bed and physically make myself get going but if you can force yourselves one day, then do it as it will make you feel better.

Vindaloo · 03/09/2006 22:01

that was the biggest battle for me - making myself get up and do something. First i had to convince my head that being active (like going to the gym) will really help and then some how my body had to connect with this thought.

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