Using exercise to help depressive symptoms?

Have you used exercise effectively to minimize depressive symptoms? If so, how long did it take to see resultsHow long is this supposed to take?

I'm officially one hundred days into walking at least a mile (more recently two to three miles) every day (-2 days in hospital). This is not easy. I struggle each day to get up and to do it. Physically I feel stronger, but it doesn't touch inside.

When do I get a payoff? Thanks

Post Edited (Rat) : 4/4/2020 7:51:25 PM (GMT-6)

Does it kick in....maybe it helps some snd not others....
It is very dependent pn individual circumstances;
But yes the medical commumity have shown exvellent research on it being a useful modality on treatment.

Sometimes a combo os required to reach the motivational awareness...a counsellor medication psychiatrist then an introduction.

Ypur question denotes to your experience. I reckon alike therapy and meds subtle changes begin. Definitely the endorphons dopamine and serotonin do increase within positive exercise.

I say even if it helping ya fitness and cardio capacity well it a win. If it getting ya out a win....depression usually destroys the motivation. Let it naturally hsppen...ypur wellness or time frame.

Being proactive is the biggest step. HT

Here's the most important thing I learned while reading a book on running and mental health: In clinical studies, regular aerobic exercise is as effective as antidepressants in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate depression.

I spoke with the psychiatrist yesterday and I asked how long does it take for exercise to kick in and help to ease depressive symptoms. her response was very disheartening. She said oh you'll feel good right away and within a week or two you'll really noticed a great difference. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'm 107 days into walking up to 3 miles a day and I have seen no positive difference.
Great.

I think being mindful when you exercise helps to. I think you feel the endorphins better if you are. If you aren't mindful you think of all the other things. Maybe something you are depressed about. When I walk I notice things such as trees, leaves, birds, etc. I feel the sun on me, or the wind. I also focus on the muscles I want to work. My butt is sagging.

I think it is a now type of thing, that makes you feel good while you are doing it. Again, endorphins. Serotonin, probably dopamine too.

Are you sure you aren't feeling a difference Rat? Maybe you're just not noticing it. Really feel what you are doing. Allow yourself to enjoy. Even if it isn't helping a lot, try to get the most out of it. Are you getting stronger? Are you losing weight? Are you walking in the country or city?

I hope you can learn to find a way to enjoy.. I promise you it isn't all for nothing.

Have a beautiful day everybody...

Hugs, Karen...

Mowed the back lawn today a foot high.

Jerky husband mowed the front. He got text from, the OCD neighbor across the way.

I have bronchitis and feel like %^%$## now.

breathe..... off to bed.

stay strong and healthy all
Trina

Hi Mike

In raking, the cardio is increased move, than in walking. Unless you are purposely walking at a quick pace.

Peace and strength
Trina

A psychiatrist whom I used to see years ago told me that doing aerobic exercises such as running is more likely to help lift you from feeling sad and depressed than lifting heavy weights will, although, according to him, weight lifting can also help you feel happier.

I haven't lifted weights in years. My weights and bench are in my cellar and have just been collecting dust for years.

But I don't want to get rid of the bench and weights because I might change my mind someday and start lifting weights again.

I did weights many moons ago. I can still i reckon leg press quite a bit. Warehousing for many yrs.....speed skater and ectreme cyclist in younger days. Yes i walk. Still got the quads.

Muffins....not inviting the turtle over!!!🐢😛 HT

I can't remember how long ago you started your medication but it can take six to eight weeks to reach full potential. Though you could start to feel better before that. And I don't know which medication you are trying. I have tried most at one time or another.

Just don't give up. With lockdown, things are harder than they normally would be. Try to go easy on yourself. It isn't easy for any of us, but this is only temporary.

I think I mentioned mindfulness and meditation before but they both really can make the quiet time enjoyable. Being alone and being happy with oneself. It can be done.

A lot of what you are feeling is normal for what we are going through. But it will be getting better, you need to believe that.

Take one day at a time. That is the best we can do. Remember yesterday is history, tomorrow but a mystery, today is a gift, that is why it is called the present. Keep hanging in there. Know things will be getting better.

I hope you have a good evening.

Hugs, Karen...

Rat, I just noticed you wanted to change the title. Would you like me to do that for you? You mentioned it earlier on this thread and somehow I missed it.

Hugs, Karen...