Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Is excercise effective for depression?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I am wondering who exercises and if it helps them with depression. I want to at least go on walks but I never find the motivation.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Yes, it's very effective. Exercise releases Serotonin and some other brain chemicals that is responsible for HAPPY moods.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I kinda believe it helps you move out of a depressive episode faster...it is bloody hard when depressed....lifting weights is an easy shortcut and a pdoc told me it was shown to be as effective as anti-depressants in a study. Doesn't hurt.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Having just gotten back to exercise after a long hiatus, I can already feel the difference. It's been 3 months since I started and already I feel more energized and am working with my pdoc to get my meds decreased since I now have more natural neurotransmitters flowing through my brain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
yes, yes, and yes!!!!!!!!!! the motivation is the hardest part but SO WORTH it!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hmmm my fingers get lots of exercise when I am depressed by typing or controling the tivo remote... but I dont seem able to get my depressed butt up to do any other exersise lol

Ok on a more serious note... true exersise makes more seritonin but what if your on a butt load of it all ready? can your brain actually make more then you should have and over dose you into seritonin syndrom?

Ok both goofy but seriously on the syndrom one....
Marilyanna
Marilyanna
Both my pdoc and therapist encourage (yell at me) to have exercise. I walk now about an hour a day right when I get up. Thank God only the homeless pp see me. I dont look that good in the morning. I used to do a workout a week with walking inbeteen but I dont have the money anymore. Sunlight is good too. Put it on your dayplanner and try to follow thru thats what I do.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I dont exercise to be happy ..i do it to stay skinny. Being skinny makes me HAPPY ! lol
Seriously though i have rhuem. arthirits and any day that I have the strength to push myself I do it. Ya only live once ..i never give in to depression ..we'll a little ..but I come out of it fighting and ready to roll!!
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