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Original poster

Exercise, has it helped you?

53 replies

Khob · 05/07/2019 18:53

Just wondering if it really helps. I'm feeling like I've tried every single thing to improve but nothing has worked, not counselling, anti depressants etc.
The only thing I haven't stuck at is exercise. I've heard it can literally "save people's lives".how is that? I have a lot of bpd signs, but as yet undiagnosed, one of which is inability to be motivated, so I find it difficult to keep a regular routine. Does anyone have any success stories?

OP posts:
Summersunshine2 · 06/07/2019 12:33

@NoBaggyPants same. I love some of her comments!
Way to show up.
Turn the corners of your mouth up and smile.
Trust in me, yourself and the video 😁
She's like a comfort blanket!

Original poster
Khob · 06/07/2019 17:15

I'm going to give it a go definitely, it's unanimously agreed on here that it works.. I'm going to start walking and maybe a bit of running too

OP posts:
MrsHardbroom · 06/07/2019 17:16

Exercise really helps my baseline anxiety levels, although if I have an 'acute' episode, not so much

Parkmama · 06/07/2019 21:23

I would love to say it helps, but earlier on in the year I was training for a half marathon and I found I was really dwelling on all things negative during my long runs. Might have been related to the pressure of the event coming up, but from now on I'll stick to fairly short runs. I haven't tried other forms of exercise though so perhaps that would help. At the time I wasn't on any medication but looking back I probably needed it, I am now so will try and build exercise back into my recovery but I'm not spending hours running by myself with only my thoughts for company!

lemonbalmtea · 06/07/2019 22:45

Coach to 5k is great- there is an app and a support forum on health unlocked.

Gwenhwyfar · 06/07/2019 23:17

"I would love to say it helps, but earlier on in the year I was training for a half marathon and I found I was really dwelling on all things negative during my long runs."

There is a theory that exercise amplifies whatever mood you're in, a bit like alcohol.
Some yoga teachers ask people if they're feeling OK mentally/emotionally before starting because exercise can release some negative feelings.
Having said that, I've heard of so many people who feel they get huge mental health benefits from exercise.

Limensoda · 07/07/2019 11:32

I've been trying to do Yoga every morning and evening. There are short sessions for both on YouTube.
I found Adrianne a bit too quick and can't keep up with her. I haven't the energy to do anything more strenuous at the moment.

MyGastIsFlabbered · 07/07/2019 11:46

I started doing C25k after swearing I'd never start running. I have to say after a few weeks I absolutely loved it. Then I fractured my foot and haven't been able to run since. I really miss it and can't wait for my foot to heal so I can start again. I liked the fact that it was structured and gradually increasing so you can see your progress. I also joined as many C25k groups online as possible!

Even people I worked with could see a change in me when I was doing it. I have EUPD and it really did help my MH. I'd say give it a go, if it's not for you, you've lost nothing by trying it...you might get hooked like I did though!

user1497863568 · 07/07/2019 11:48

It doesn't really take away the issues I have anxiety over to be honest...

user1497863568 · 07/07/2019 11:50

It helps with day to day functioning though.

MedalMedalMedal · 07/07/2019 12:03

Hey Khob thanks for starting this thread and I’m so sorry you feel so unwell Sad

Im about to sign up to a gym for similar reasons.

I so identify with your ‘can’t be in my own skin feeling’. My mind sometimes won’t stop racing. I’m hoping it will clear my head although I think I will have to make a huge effort to galvanise myself into getting there.

I seem to get stuck endlessly planning and worrying about things and feeling shaky and anxious at not actually getting them done. Everything feels insurmountable.

So now I’m off to order a sports bra. Never had one of those before! 😬

Good luck, I really hope it helps you x

AyahuascaTrip · 07/07/2019 15:50

Absolutely - I call it Active Relaxation. It’s the second most helpful thing after 1. Sleep and before 3. Lithium

Original poster
Khob · 07/07/2019 19:35

Thanks to everyone who has responded. I'm really happy that most of you have benefited. I understand the part about dwelling on anxiety when exercising though as a pp said.. In the few times I've walked I just turn thoughts over and over.. But am still going to try

OP posts:
crummyusername · 07/07/2019 20:38

I listen to a podcast when running, something nice and light and/ir inspirational. If I just listened to music I think I’d struggle.

billybagpuss · 07/07/2019 20:48

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45487187

Cold water swimming is my happy place, I love being outside in water, although I'm not a winter hard core and do use a wet suit in spring. My FB feed during the snow last year was bizarre, half my friends lighting the fire and hibernating and the other half wondering if the link road to the lake was open so they could swim.

But cold water therapy is starting to get the attention of the scientific community as a treatment for MH issues.

However please stay safe, don't just jump in in the middle of winter you need to build up your resistance and acclimatise.

@khob I totally get the dwelling on things when you're walking, I do find that often I can play out the scenario in my head so it diminishes to a non issue by the time I get home. Giving it time to 'play out' can sometimes be very helpful.

fikel · 07/07/2019 20:50

Walking in the woods is incredible I might even hug a tree if no one is looking

SingleDadReally · 07/07/2019 20:57

It definitely helps. Before my wife abruptly left I was cycling about 5,000 miles per year. Even in 2018 I did about 3,500, although I now have to completely run everything about the house and feed my son etc when he’s home from university. My job changed pretty simultaneously with my wife leaving, so probably cycling (and cooking for myself) is one of the few things I feel total competency in. I think going out for the day (possibly leading your clubs ride) gives you a necessary sense of control and a feeling of a plan fulfilled, so a sense of being in control.

ZillaPilla · 08/07/2019 10:30

YES! I am one of the people who would say it has saved me from going completely under.

I was always a runner, then when I went through a very difficult divorce I found it took on a new level of importance for me. Time out of the toxic home environment, the feeling of release and escape, the endorphins and also the social side of my running club, where I was just ME.

Since then I have probably become a bit obsessed as I've struggled to cope with the aftermath of the divorce (PTSD type issues and eating disorder), but I won't give change it as the negatives (high risk of injury at my low weight) do not outweigh the positives for my MH right now. I am aware of that and have made an informed decision. When the time is right I will find a more healthy balance.

Meanwhile I do what I need to do to continue being a full time working single mother.

CapybarasLoveCake · 08/07/2019 13:48

Yes it really helps me with anxiety and low mood. I use YouTube or dvds at home. I used to swim once a week but our local pool now hosts lots of schools and I found the noise too much to cope with.

noideaatallreally · 08/07/2019 13:58

Walking has really helped me, though as you say it can be easy to use the walking time to dwell on negative thoughts. I find I need the walk PLUS a distraction. This might be really concentrating on my senses - especially what can I hear. Listening for bird song, focus on the feeling of the air running across my hands, looking out for birds and wildlife. I also started to do geocaching - I find that keeping my focus on the map reading and hunting for the caches leaves less space in my head for negative thoughts. It has also meant I have explored lots and lots of my local area.

Original poster
Khob · 08/07/2019 15:50

Wow, some really great accounts here, thank you. For those who joined running clubs, did you bump up your ability prior? I have visions of literally being 50 paces in and collapsing in a heap..

OP posts:
ZillaPilla · 08/07/2019 15:59

OP, if you are new to running then I would suggest you find a club which has a beginners group. Ours holds 2 beginners courses each year.

waterlego · 08/07/2019 16:03

For me, yes. So much so that I trained as a fitness instructor so that I could do more of it and get paid for it. It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and the natural ‘highs’ help keep me away from some unhealthy addictions to which I was a slave for more years than I wish to count.

happybunny007 · 08/07/2019 16:06

I think different running clubs have different approaches re beginners, some take themselves more seriously than others. Do you have a friend you you’ll go for a run with first, as practice?

LtGreggs · 08/07/2019 19:33

OP you can find some 'jog' or 'learn to run' groups - look for notices at parks or local sports shop or similar. In Scotland there's an organisation called "Jog Scotland" that helps people start running for fitness (couch to 5k level stuff,and I think they sometimes work with councils or GP practises). I know a couple of people who have had really good experiences with them.