Does Exercise Really Help??

I've read so many statements in these Forums and have heard them personally.  I am physiclly limited in regards to exercise, but I wonder - and this question is for folks who have had debilitating depression - does exercise really help?

I can understand that it helps produce those "feel good" hormones - can't think of what they're called (adrenalin maybe).  I also think that any activity as physically demanding as exercise alters your focus away, for a time, from your depression.  But I wonder when people say this if they're really trying to just blow you off.  Does it work long-term and why/how?

Hi alittleunwell, Welcome to the depression forum, we are glad to have you.  Yes, exercise can greatly help with depression.  As atedogs pointed, out it is mostly just a matter of finding what you are most comfortable doing on a daily basis and incorperating it into your daily routine.  I do have MS and another new autonomic disorder that has limited my physical abilities quite a bit...mostly I have to keep an eye on my blood pressure as it tends to drop very low for no reason at all, then I start to get the shakes and pass out which is not much fun.  I also have depression, anxiety and panic disorder.  I tried all kinds of going to the gym and taking those classes with others and I didnt have the physical stamina to keep up with it or the balance needed for most of it..so I stopped wasting my money on that.  I bought myself an iPod which I use mostly for when I have anxiety problems, I have lots of meditation type music on it and it helps calm me...and so I like atedogs put my tenny shoes on and started to walk in the mornings.  Before I knew it I was walking 5 miles a day and feeling great.  I enjoy doing this everyday and miss when I cant do it or have an appointment as I have come to think of it as my time to myself just to think and be alone and regroup.  I dont even think of it as exercise anymore, and the bonus is that I have went down a size smaller in my jeans and behind is looking good....  

Hi Alittle and welcome, /i think everyone is different and what works dor one may not work for another.
I really hope that you find what helps you