exercise as treatment for depression

[johndoo]

I know that research shows that exercise can be a treatment for depression.
I think it helps me personally.
Does anyone have any personal experience with this?
The research shows that relatively intense exercise is needed to get the benefit.
(had a good workout this morning- It's going to be a good day.)

 

[miss-a]

Yes, I notice it especially since I've been injured and physically limited. I don't feel as up as I like.

The one caution I'd put out there is that the exercise doesn't actually have to be super intense. A brisk walk can do the trick. Sometimes very vigorous exercise in a person who is not ready for it can create the opposite effect. So as always, start off slowly. Build as you go, and if it stops producing the "high" it just might be that you're overdoing it.

But absolutely, regular exercise is a must for people experiencing depression. And remember it can be as simple as walking.

 

[Purge187]

I think God directed me to start weight-training after college as a way to help build up my rock-bottom self-esteem. It worked.

A good workout releases endorphins, chemicals that give a feeling of well-being.

 

[1Feather]

I know that research shows that exercise can be a treatment for depression.
I think it helps me personally.
Does anyone have any personal experience with this?
The research shows that relatively intense exercise is needed to get the benefit.
(had a good workout this morning- It's going to be a good day.)

Exercise is definitely a great treatment for depression. If someone does suffer depression, starting an exercise regimen is the beginning of the way out. It doesn't have to be vigorous. A simple walk around the neighborhood, breathing deeply, is a good start.
Adding herbal supplements to a diet helps too. Burdock root, standardized extract so as to get 100% of the medicinal herbal properties, helps with blood cleansing. Stagnant blood, a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to depression. Bad diet, food allergies, can too.
Burdock cleanses the blood. As does Milk Thistle in helping to cleanse the liver that filters the blood.
St. Johns wort is a great anti-depressant. However, prolonged use will reverse its affects and cause depression, so be careful.
SAMe is a supplement that also helps with depression.
The rule for taking herbs is take them for 4 days and stop for 3 days in a week. This three days allows the body to utilize the nutrition that has built up in the 4 day regimen.

Hope this helps.

 

[coucouza]

in 2011, I was in depression. but with a weightlifting program and natural foods, I eliminated this depression

 

[johndoo]

I'm encouraged that others have had a good experience.

My mood tanked in a period of grief. I had exercised before and continued to exercise. I read about this subject. I obtained prescription medication but didn't like the fatigue so I only took them for a few days ( I told the doctor). I went for counseling. So in the end it is difficult to say what helped but you can't go too wrong with moderate intensity exercise.

I do both cardio and weight training.
I'll have to read about Burdock root.

The behavior change to do consistent exercise is difficult for people. I know that some people just dislike exercise. Lots of people cite time constraints and if you are a parent of young children, I can empathize. But for many people, it just comes down to priorities and people have to make choices.

 

[JoshC93]

It definitely helped throughout high school and when I was away at college. However for me it was only a temporary thing. I'd usually fall back into depression later that night or so. It definitely feels great in the short term though.

 

[Scott1979]

It for sure helps me with my depression. I feel so good after going to the gym and throwing around the weights for a few hours.

 

[ayaanu86]

Thank u guys i am currently very depressed with my current state of mind and the problems i CREATE BECAUSE OF MY TEMPER, i NEED sOME EXCERCIZE TO CONTROL IT

 

[johndoo]

ayaanu,

Remember that if you are seriously depressed, please go see a medical doctor or therapist to discuss a treatment strategy. A combination of strategies is appropriate for many people.

God bless you in this struggle.

 

[ihavefoundgod951]

Look into serotonin boosting diets foods rich in Omega 3 and 6 plus vitamin B12 boosts serotonin (chemical in your brain that makes you happy)

Get lots of Sun light too. (boosts serotonin)

Exercise gives you a lift but it's only short lived the endorphins released from exercise only last for a short while, so exorcise tho it is good in moderation is not going to fix your depression problem, if you over exorcise it could make your problem even worse. People with depression need to keep there stress levels down. Exorcise is physical stress so too much exorcise will hurt you

Moderation is the key

God bless

 

[johndoo]

I disagree with the last post.
There is actually a threshold effect.
The exercise has to be of a fairly aggressive nature to have benefit for mood, based on research.
A general principle for exercise is to gradually increase exertion and duration over time. No reason to lolly-gag forever.

 

[hopefullady78]

I know that research shows that exercise can be a treatment for depression.
I think it helps me personally.
Does anyone have any personal experience with this?
The research shows that relatively intense exercise is needed to get the benefit.
(had a good workout this morning- It's going to be a good day.)

Absolutely. I feel great after exercising. I do intervals while I am walking. It is definitely a great mood enhancer.

 

[bhsmte]

There is no question, that exercise is an excellent treatment for depression.

One should start gradually and build up to what they can tolerate. The key is, to not start and then stop for 4-5 days and start up again. Exercise, should be done, at least 4 days per week for the right benefits to take hold.

Also, as one becomes more fit and better able to tolerate exercise, the quality of the exercise (the intensity), is just as important (if not more important), than the duration. 20-25 minutes of higher intensity exercise, provides more benefits, than, 45 minutes of lower intensity exercise.

 

[KnowHisJoy77]

I know that research shows that exercise can be a treatment for depression.
I think it helps me personally.
Does anyone have any personal experience with this?
The research shows that relatively intense exercise is needed to get the benefit.
(had a good workout this morning- It's going to be a good day.)

Yes and yes, physical activities (such as hiking, pilates,dancing or anything you enjoy doing) at least 30min a day plus a healthy diet with no sugar, no processed and fried foods, good breakfast, lean protein, flaxseed, a good multivitamin, lots of watee, makes huge difference in how good i feel in my personal experience. Plus guard my thoughts and apply Phillipians 4 : 8.

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

Exercise has helped lift my spirits, and I've seen it in others. My experience suggests that "intense" is not required. However, I'm only one data point. I also take Vitamin B-12 because my level was low, and I was told that can help too if you are deficient.