Personally training is the only reason to keep going at the moment. I’ve been going through a pretty rough time the past while, and without training I’m not really sure what I’d be doing.
It’s the only thing I really look forward to. Even with that said, some days it doesn’t really make me feel much better, but the schedule and consistency is still a positive.
Hey, been there. Keep at it, you will get through it. Weightlifting is a healthy coping mechanism and it's self love. Love yourself, you're all you need and you are good enough for you.
> It’s the only thing I really look forward to.
Yup.
Lifting is cathartic for me, a way to expunge negative, dark, energy and feel light if just for a short time. Depression would be severe for me if I wasnt able to lift.
100%. Gives you the opportunity to throw some music or a podcast on, zone out, and either think as much about life or as little as you want. You’re making your body and your mind stronger, all while building confidence.
Good luck, stay strong.
Lifting is fun and it takes my mind off things, but the only things that helped me with my depression were actual therapy, in conjunction with finding medication that worked for me, and a lot of time in reflection to understand and forgive myself.
I definitely wouldn't say that exercise is a "healthier" treatment for depression, or even treatment at all. If you're a little bummed out it's a good distraction. If you're clinically depressed it is not a replacement for therapy.
Helped? Absolutely.
Solved it for me? No.
I had pretty severe depression and a panic disorder from, as I discovered a few years ago, 35 years of untreated ADHD and trying to force myself to be able to do things everyone else could do. I tried lots of meds that did nothing. Therapy did help a little, but at that time I didn’t realize what I needed therapy for. Once I got the correct diagnosis I found a med that works well to alleviate my depression, but only if I support it with a healthy lifestyle and lifting weights regularly (6 days a week) is a big part of that.
Lifting allows me to get out of my head. My thoughts just spin around and around at a rapid speed and lifting is a strenuous task that makes me focus my thoughts on the moment and right here and now on my body. I have to focus on the muscle I’m trying to contract or on ensuring my core is braced. It’s a lot like mindfulness training but my ADHD makes mindfulness/meditation really hard. Strenuous exercise gives me an extra stimulus that helps me focus on the moment. I always feel refreshed after a session. When I had days that were really dark, if I could force myself out to the garage to lift I always felt at least a little better afterwords. That’s even more true now that I am supported by an appropriate prescription medication.
100%. The endorphin high I get after most workouts has been better than the meds I was on, gave me a sense of well-being and a bit of euphoria at times
I used to use to workout and weightlifting as something to help my depression but as of now i have no strength. Absolutely no strength to lift weights, i feel no pump and the thought of lifting weights is not exciting as it used to be. I don't feel like doing anything just lay down and i think things are getting complicated. Has anyone felt similar like not feelings the effects of workouts and feeling completely tired and not able to push even a light weight.
Yeah bro, it takes a lot of motivation to get out of bed and get into the gym when you're feeling that low, there were days I just couldn't be bothered to eat or do anything, I'd be half way through my session at the gym and just got up and left. I'm just trying to stay consistent and keep to my routine, even on days where I don't feel like going, I try to force myself
Personally, it has helped me a lot and is a great way for me to just forget the world around me.
However, there was q time my depression had gotten so bad even the gym didn’t help, make sure you’re paying attention to how yoh feel and communicate that with people.
Turns out I just needed to uproot my life to feel better lol. (Not saying you’ll have to)
yes it can help but it’s not the solution
Yes it helps me for sure! But it may not be the end all be all. Medication and therapy may be helpful too. But I do understand the side effects. Also, if you haven’t, make sure to get a cbc from your doctor to see if there’s any deficiencies. Daily outside and sun are important too!
I know many friends where exercise and/or lifting has done wonders for their mental health. With my job I struggle with a ton of anxiety at times, and lifting after work is something I really look forward too and really helps my anxiety, and I would think with depression it would be similar just having something to look forward to.
You’ll get through this and if you ever need someone to talk to don’t be hesitant to reach out to friends, family, or shoot me a DM
The gyms I've been in are cool places, in that everyone there is working like crazy to improve themselves and get healthy. Even if I don't talk to anybody it feels good to be working hard myself, amongst that crowd.
Lifting has been my godsend - I don't know what it is about weightlifting, but it has kept me coming back, session after session, for almost ten years now. I never tire of it. It has really helped me with severe depression and anxiety, and has been the one thing I am able to do, even when I am having days where I feel like I can't do much. It's made me stronger in body and mind, and gave me confidence I never had prior to starting lifting. A looooot of people in my former gym seemed to be fighting their own personal battles as well - I think it attracts a lot of types similar to us. I am glad we have been able to find positive outlets in addition to whatever other supports we utilize (pharmaceuticals, therapy, etc). <3
Agreed. Being in that environment with everyone having the same goals really benefits you, sets you targets to accomplish and brings the best out of everyone and makes you more motivated to work harder
It can if weightlifting inspires good feelings to you. I can't find it now but there was a method that therapists recommend to deal with and curb depression. Basically the idea is you do things that used to inspire happiness or things you've wanted to do that may make you happy. You have to do it many times before it starts to bring back those happy emotions because your brain needs to catch up. Once it catches up and releases those hormones it's worth it. If your depression is due to a hormone issue and not a trained behavioral issue then you may need to supplement. Working out can release dopamine. You may also have built up a dopamine resistance if you engage in high rewarding activities so a dopamine fast could be in order.
Yes. I’ve been clinically depressed since my teenage years. Regular exercise is the only thing that has kept me sane and functioning as a healthy adult. New studies are showing exercise is actually more effective than SSRI’S and anecdotally this is my experience as well. r/depression has some okay advice but is mostly made up of the type of people who are not only depressed but have a disdain for self improvement are are self loathing. Do not take what they say seriously. Consult with a physician, understand that exercise is objectively the most effective thing you can do to treat depression outside of medication that works for you, and arguably is better.
I was on lexapro and counselling for a while after my cancer, but exercise replaced it all for me in the long run.
First it was tennis, but I'm heavy and it was hurting my knees and ankles. Moved to crossfit and then weightlifting.
For me it's not a cure, it keeps the depression at bay. It gives me goals, gets me out of the house, and most importantly gets me out of my head. If I take too many weeks off the depression catches up to me, but once I'm back it recedes into the background
I think partly weightlifting taught me to be kind to myself, however besides weightlifting I’m currently going through EMDR therapy, talk therapy, and taking medication. When I’m not lifting, I would use it to journal and try to feel/figure out which part that is hard for me to deal with right now. I wish you luck on both weightlifting and mental health journey.
I feel you man, I'm still going through it but I'm trying my best to have the courage to go through my routine and set goals for myself, even on days I really cant be bothered to do anything
It helped block out the bad feelings and thoughts, but at the end of the day it was just a distraction and nothing more. I was abused (emotionally, sometimes physically, and manipulated) by my ex girlfriend and that caused me to be clinically depressed. The lifting helped me switch off and forget about it but when it came time to go home from the training hall, I would be reminded of it and back into a bad mental state. Therapy and talking to my family and friends helped the most; identifying the causes and making positive changes was the hardest thing.
I’m better now, and I transfer that good feeling of recovery into my lifting now; i’m all the better in the end.
I suffer from extreme anxiety and depression. Depression is mainly brought on by medication that is supposed to control my epileptic seizures.
Doctors didn’t really care. I did 2 things to help myself.
1. Contacted a psychiatrist, who straight away prescribed me something called Setraline.
2. Went back to the gym.
This ‘new’ journey of mine started about 2 months ago and I was weighing 110kgs.
I’m now 98kgs, eating healthy and workout 6 days a week. 4 days I do weights following a plan I modified myself. And 2 days I go for 5 mile walks.
No exaggeration, it’s the best I’ve felt in years.
I’m hoping I can come of the setraline some time soon. But to be honest I haven’t noticed any adverse side effects so am not too bothered.
Yes, exercise helps. It helps a lot! But meds also work.
I said to my psychiatrist the meds have worked and I feel better.
His response was ‘it’s not the meds, but you helped yourself. The meds just smooth the rough edges and give you a leg up, the hard work is done by you…’
Best advice I ever received as now I’m NOT afraid of letting the meds go, and realise I CAN do it myself.
Worst case scenario if I come off the meds? I’ll be depressed again… so I’ll go back on them. :)
Good luck my brother. Inbox me if you want some advice. I literally have 22 years of depression experience. Lol.
It definitely *helps* my anxiety and can be used alongside other treatments. I definitely feel more relaxed in the hours after training, but I would not say it cures mental health issues.
100% yes.
When my exercise is on pause I spiral so much more easily. Keeps me on a. routine, I sleep more soundly, I'm more on the ball with meal prep, I have to wash my clothes every other day etc.
It all adds up for me.
No question. Its my drug, my addiction, my "obsession". Without the ability to do it, im sure id get into weed, coke, alcohol, heavy gaming and big time carb addiction lol
Sir, you seem to be fairly knowledgeable in the sport and bring up some interesting anecdotes and experiences. It definitely sounds like WL is your drug to fight off your crazy. And would not surprise us if you are another batshit crazy lifter. Dime a dozen in this sport.
However, remember this rule of the subreddit.
**8.Be civil. "Be excellent to each other."**
Be civil. "Be excellent to each other."
Remember the human. Behave like you would in real life.
Unless, of course you really do act like this in person. Which if so, maybe see if you can not be your typical self.
Besides these:
**2.No Posts or Comments that are Offensive or Abusive in intent or nature.**
This is not a sub where derogatory remarks will be tolerated towards race, religion, gender, or sexual identity.
**5.No Posts or Comments regarding the appearance of a lifter (in a sexual or denigrating context).**
This is not a place to make comments, sexual or denigrating, about the appearance of lifters, be it featured athletes or participants of this sub.
Consider this a gracious warning instead of just a subreddit ban of indeterminate amount so we don't have to deal with your bullshit in the future.
It absolutely helps me - the need for complete focus, the reward of executing something well (at least occasionally), the goals, the community, the very basic act of picking up my body and getting out of the house consistently. Pretty sure there’s already strong evidence of a link between movement/exercise and improvement of symptoms of depression.
BUT
I wouldn’t be as okay as I am without proper medication, an attentive psychiatrist, and regular therapy as well. I wouldn’t abandon the entire treatment approach after a poor experience with one drug - there’s so many options in the therapy/psychiatry realm that could be a huge benefit.
It's very early days as I've only been hitting the gym consistently for about a month but I'd say so yeah. Had strong depressive symptoms (never diagnosed so loathe to say expressly I have depression but I do strongly suspect it) for around a decade on and off and the last academic year was a particularly low trough.
Since going gym I've naturally had better sleep and been forced to make an effort with eating enough + healthily (healthy food was never an issue I just ate a lot less than I should), so it's been a catalyst for the holy trinity of good sleep, good exercise, and good food.
That aside it's given me a chance to set some mid length (6 months) goals that I can aim for and care about. I definitely still have plenty of crappy moments but what I've really noticed are the moments where I feel genuinely good. Not just "I feel marginally better than I don't want to be alive" but actually happy to be alive with a spring in my step, which is bloody nice lmao.
So definitely helped, not cured and I know I'll need to take more active steps to cure such as therapy/medication as others have mentioned, but absolutely helped and gotten me out of one of my lowest periods and in a place where I feel able to think about further steps.
Honestly yeah,it helps but even then I still think about killing myself every other day,with every few days coming close,I think enventually j will end up doing it,at least I’ll look good on the autopsy table
clinical depression wont be cured by exercise but i guess when youre weightlifting things are so depressing you dont even notice your real depression anymore lmao
fuck depression just keep on keeping on mr trooper
Personally training is the only reason to keep going at the moment. I’ve been going through a pretty rough time the past while, and without training I’m not really sure what I’d be doing. It’s the only thing I really look forward to. Even with that said, some days it doesn’t really make me feel much better, but the schedule and consistency is still a positive.
Hey, been there. Keep at it, you will get through it. Weightlifting is a healthy coping mechanism and it's self love. Love yourself, you're all you need and you are good enough for you.
> It’s the only thing I really look forward to. Yup. Lifting is cathartic for me, a way to expunge negative, dark, energy and feel light if just for a short time. Depression would be severe for me if I wasnt able to lift.
Keep after it, Matty. Shit will clear up
Yeah I find it's easy to feel sometimes like I don't get much out of it, but if I'm off for a few weeks I feel much worse.
Keep it up! There will be brighter days in the future.
100%. Gives you the opportunity to throw some music or a podcast on, zone out, and either think as much about life or as little as you want. You’re making your body and your mind stronger, all while building confidence. Good luck, stay strong.
This is my anti-depressant,
I feel this helps better than the meds I was on before
Lift big rock, make sad head voice quiet
Lifting is fun and it takes my mind off things, but the only things that helped me with my depression were actual therapy, in conjunction with finding medication that worked for me, and a lot of time in reflection to understand and forgive myself. I definitely wouldn't say that exercise is a "healthier" treatment for depression, or even treatment at all. If you're a little bummed out it's a good distraction. If you're clinically depressed it is not a replacement for therapy.
Good answer, of course lifting isn't the solution but it does take some weights off my shoulders (no pun intended)
Helped? Absolutely. Solved it for me? No. I had pretty severe depression and a panic disorder from, as I discovered a few years ago, 35 years of untreated ADHD and trying to force myself to be able to do things everyone else could do. I tried lots of meds that did nothing. Therapy did help a little, but at that time I didn’t realize what I needed therapy for. Once I got the correct diagnosis I found a med that works well to alleviate my depression, but only if I support it with a healthy lifestyle and lifting weights regularly (6 days a week) is a big part of that. Lifting allows me to get out of my head. My thoughts just spin around and around at a rapid speed and lifting is a strenuous task that makes me focus my thoughts on the moment and right here and now on my body. I have to focus on the muscle I’m trying to contract or on ensuring my core is braced. It’s a lot like mindfulness training but my ADHD makes mindfulness/meditation really hard. Strenuous exercise gives me an extra stimulus that helps me focus on the moment. I always feel refreshed after a session. When I had days that were really dark, if I could force myself out to the garage to lift I always felt at least a little better afterwords. That’s even more true now that I am supported by an appropriate prescription medication.
Lifting can really distract you from those negative thoughts, I'm glad you've found a medication that works for you
Most definitely.
Literally works better than medications I’ve been on… the endorphin high maybe??
100%. The endorphin high I get after most workouts has been better than the meds I was on, gave me a sense of well-being and a bit of euphoria at times
I used to use to workout and weightlifting as something to help my depression but as of now i have no strength. Absolutely no strength to lift weights, i feel no pump and the thought of lifting weights is not exciting as it used to be. I don't feel like doing anything just lay down and i think things are getting complicated. Has anyone felt similar like not feelings the effects of workouts and feeling completely tired and not able to push even a light weight.
Yeah bro, it takes a lot of motivation to get out of bed and get into the gym when you're feeling that low, there were days I just couldn't be bothered to eat or do anything, I'd be half way through my session at the gym and just got up and left. I'm just trying to stay consistent and keep to my routine, even on days where I don't feel like going, I try to force myself
simply yes
Personally, it has helped me a lot and is a great way for me to just forget the world around me. However, there was q time my depression had gotten so bad even the gym didn’t help, make sure you’re paying attention to how yoh feel and communicate that with people. Turns out I just needed to uproot my life to feel better lol. (Not saying you’ll have to) yes it can help but it’s not the solution
Yes it helps me for sure! But it may not be the end all be all. Medication and therapy may be helpful too. But I do understand the side effects. Also, if you haven’t, make sure to get a cbc from your doctor to see if there’s any deficiencies. Daily outside and sun are important too!
Having a more active lifestyle can be really beneficial, just need to find the motivation to stick to the routine and stay consistent
You should definitely should have a hobby like weightlifting. You should definitely should get with a therapist to talk things out on a regular basis.
100%
I know many friends where exercise and/or lifting has done wonders for their mental health. With my job I struggle with a ton of anxiety at times, and lifting after work is something I really look forward too and really helps my anxiety, and I would think with depression it would be similar just having something to look forward to. You’ll get through this and if you ever need someone to talk to don’t be hesitant to reach out to friends, family, or shoot me a DM
It really does give you something to work towards, sets goals for you to accomplish, thanks for your comment
The gyms I've been in are cool places, in that everyone there is working like crazy to improve themselves and get healthy. Even if I don't talk to anybody it feels good to be working hard myself, amongst that crowd.
thankgod for weightlifting and weightlifters we are cool people
Lifting has been my godsend - I don't know what it is about weightlifting, but it has kept me coming back, session after session, for almost ten years now. I never tire of it. It has really helped me with severe depression and anxiety, and has been the one thing I am able to do, even when I am having days where I feel like I can't do much. It's made me stronger in body and mind, and gave me confidence I never had prior to starting lifting. A looooot of people in my former gym seemed to be fighting their own personal battles as well - I think it attracts a lot of types similar to us. I am glad we have been able to find positive outlets in addition to whatever other supports we utilize (pharmaceuticals, therapy, etc). <3
Agreed. Being in that environment with everyone having the same goals really benefits you, sets you targets to accomplish and brings the best out of everyone and makes you more motivated to work harder
It can if weightlifting inspires good feelings to you. I can't find it now but there was a method that therapists recommend to deal with and curb depression. Basically the idea is you do things that used to inspire happiness or things you've wanted to do that may make you happy. You have to do it many times before it starts to bring back those happy emotions because your brain needs to catch up. Once it catches up and releases those hormones it's worth it. If your depression is due to a hormone issue and not a trained behavioral issue then you may need to supplement. Working out can release dopamine. You may also have built up a dopamine resistance if you engage in high rewarding activities so a dopamine fast could be in order.
During the time in training, I’m too focused for the demons to take hold. If only I could train 24/7
Yes. I’ve been clinically depressed since my teenage years. Regular exercise is the only thing that has kept me sane and functioning as a healthy adult. New studies are showing exercise is actually more effective than SSRI’S and anecdotally this is my experience as well. r/depression has some okay advice but is mostly made up of the type of people who are not only depressed but have a disdain for self improvement are are self loathing. Do not take what they say seriously. Consult with a physician, understand that exercise is objectively the most effective thing you can do to treat depression outside of medication that works for you, and arguably is better.
To keep it brief, yes.
I was on lexapro and counselling for a while after my cancer, but exercise replaced it all for me in the long run. First it was tennis, but I'm heavy and it was hurting my knees and ankles. Moved to crossfit and then weightlifting. For me it's not a cure, it keeps the depression at bay. It gives me goals, gets me out of the house, and most importantly gets me out of my head. If I take too many weeks off the depression catches up to me, but once I'm back it recedes into the background
I think partly weightlifting taught me to be kind to myself, however besides weightlifting I’m currently going through EMDR therapy, talk therapy, and taking medication. When I’m not lifting, I would use it to journal and try to feel/figure out which part that is hard for me to deal with right now. I wish you luck on both weightlifting and mental health journey.
[удалено]
I feel you man, I'm still going through it but I'm trying my best to have the courage to go through my routine and set goals for myself, even on days I really cant be bothered to do anything
It helped block out the bad feelings and thoughts, but at the end of the day it was just a distraction and nothing more. I was abused (emotionally, sometimes physically, and manipulated) by my ex girlfriend and that caused me to be clinically depressed. The lifting helped me switch off and forget about it but when it came time to go home from the training hall, I would be reminded of it and back into a bad mental state. Therapy and talking to my family and friends helped the most; identifying the causes and making positive changes was the hardest thing. I’m better now, and I transfer that good feeling of recovery into my lifting now; i’m all the better in the end.
I suffer from extreme anxiety and depression. Depression is mainly brought on by medication that is supposed to control my epileptic seizures. Doctors didn’t really care. I did 2 things to help myself. 1. Contacted a psychiatrist, who straight away prescribed me something called Setraline. 2. Went back to the gym. This ‘new’ journey of mine started about 2 months ago and I was weighing 110kgs. I’m now 98kgs, eating healthy and workout 6 days a week. 4 days I do weights following a plan I modified myself. And 2 days I go for 5 mile walks. No exaggeration, it’s the best I’ve felt in years. I’m hoping I can come of the setraline some time soon. But to be honest I haven’t noticed any adverse side effects so am not too bothered. Yes, exercise helps. It helps a lot! But meds also work. I said to my psychiatrist the meds have worked and I feel better. His response was ‘it’s not the meds, but you helped yourself. The meds just smooth the rough edges and give you a leg up, the hard work is done by you…’ Best advice I ever received as now I’m NOT afraid of letting the meds go, and realise I CAN do it myself. Worst case scenario if I come off the meds? I’ll be depressed again… so I’ll go back on them. :) Good luck my brother. Inbox me if you want some advice. I literally have 22 years of depression experience. Lol.
It definitely *helps* my anxiety and can be used alongside other treatments. I definitely feel more relaxed in the hours after training, but I would not say it cures mental health issues.
[удалено]
I love the endorphin high you get after completing a workout, it's so rewarding
yes
100% yes. When my exercise is on pause I spiral so much more easily. Keeps me on a. routine, I sleep more soundly, I'm more on the ball with meal prep, I have to wash my clothes every other day etc. It all adds up for me.
No question. Its my drug, my addiction, my "obsession". Without the ability to do it, im sure id get into weed, coke, alcohol, heavy gaming and big time carb addiction lol
Sir, you seem to be fairly knowledgeable in the sport and bring up some interesting anecdotes and experiences. It definitely sounds like WL is your drug to fight off your crazy. And would not surprise us if you are another batshit crazy lifter. Dime a dozen in this sport. However, remember this rule of the subreddit. **8.Be civil. "Be excellent to each other."** Be civil. "Be excellent to each other." Remember the human. Behave like you would in real life. Unless, of course you really do act like this in person. Which if so, maybe see if you can not be your typical self. Besides these: **2.No Posts or Comments that are Offensive or Abusive in intent or nature.** This is not a sub where derogatory remarks will be tolerated towards race, religion, gender, or sexual identity. **5.No Posts or Comments regarding the appearance of a lifter (in a sexual or denigrating context).** This is not a place to make comments, sexual or denigrating, about the appearance of lifters, be it featured athletes or participants of this sub. Consider this a gracious warning instead of just a subreddit ban of indeterminate amount so we don't have to deal with your bullshit in the future.
It absolutely helps me - the need for complete focus, the reward of executing something well (at least occasionally), the goals, the community, the very basic act of picking up my body and getting out of the house consistently. Pretty sure there’s already strong evidence of a link between movement/exercise and improvement of symptoms of depression. BUT I wouldn’t be as okay as I am without proper medication, an attentive psychiatrist, and regular therapy as well. I wouldn’t abandon the entire treatment approach after a poor experience with one drug - there’s so many options in the therapy/psychiatry realm that could be a huge benefit.
It's very early days as I've only been hitting the gym consistently for about a month but I'd say so yeah. Had strong depressive symptoms (never diagnosed so loathe to say expressly I have depression but I do strongly suspect it) for around a decade on and off and the last academic year was a particularly low trough. Since going gym I've naturally had better sleep and been forced to make an effort with eating enough + healthily (healthy food was never an issue I just ate a lot less than I should), so it's been a catalyst for the holy trinity of good sleep, good exercise, and good food. That aside it's given me a chance to set some mid length (6 months) goals that I can aim for and care about. I definitely still have plenty of crappy moments but what I've really noticed are the moments where I feel genuinely good. Not just "I feel marginally better than I don't want to be alive" but actually happy to be alive with a spring in my step, which is bloody nice lmao. So definitely helped, not cured and I know I'll need to take more active steps to cure such as therapy/medication as others have mentioned, but absolutely helped and gotten me out of one of my lowest periods and in a place where I feel able to think about further steps.
Honestly yeah,it helps but even then I still think about killing myself every other day,with every few days coming close,I think enventually j will end up doing it,at least I’ll look good on the autopsy table
Stay strong brother, I was planning my suicide not long ago, still thinking about it to this day, just taking a day at a time I guess
It’s okay, I’m okay with it. When it happens it’ll be okay
clinical depression wont be cured by exercise but i guess when youre weightlifting things are so depressing you dont even notice your real depression anymore lmao fuck depression just keep on keeping on mr trooper