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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by julie1977 on December 30, 2009, at 5:41:38
Has anyone else experienced this? Last night I worked out for over two hours at a high intensity. I came home and sat down, then I had a horrible depressed feeling in my chest, and my head felt unpleasant. It only lasted for a few minutes but was pretty horrible. It passed when I went and stroked and spoke to my baby rabbits. heh.
Posted by mtdewcmu on December 30, 2009, at 8:36:20
In reply to Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by julie1977 on December 30, 2009, at 5:41:38
I have strong doubts that exercise has any benefit for mood beyond placebo. I worked out regularly during one of my worst depressive episodes, and I did not get any better. In fact, often I would feel depressed and alone leaving the gym.
Posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2009, at 10:55:39
In reply to Re: Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by mtdewcmu on December 30, 2009, at 8:36:20
Could you have exhausted your body? Two hours is a long time for intensive exercise. What type did you do? Phillipa
Posted by julie1977 on December 30, 2009, at 13:35:44
In reply to Re: Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2009, at 10:55:39
Hi Phillipa
I've been exercising for the last 12 years so I think my body is ok with it. I did two hours cardio - wave machine and then bike. Today I did less, one hour cardio and then some weights. I feel ok so far, maybe my mood for the last few days is lifting.Can I ask what your diagnosis is? Is it major depression? Just out of curiosity :-)
Posted by Bob on December 30, 2009, at 15:51:44
In reply to Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by julie1977 on December 30, 2009, at 5:41:38
I've never had any luck with exercise giving me a lasting benefit as an antidepressant. Some very short term benefits, but that's about it.
I'd gather that the more serious the mental illness, the less exercise helps, but that's only my thoughts. It has always baffled me how everybody says exercise helps depression yet one of the main components of my illness is significant psychomotor retardation. It makes it very difficult to do any more physical activity than is absolutely necessary.
Posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2009, at 20:27:43
In reply to Re: Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by julie1977 on December 30, 2009, at 13:35:44
Of course been told Gad. Phillipa
Posted by morganator on December 31, 2009, at 0:34:42
In reply to Re: Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by mtdewcmu on December 30, 2009, at 8:36:20
>I have strong doubts that exercise has any benefit for mood beyond placebo.
You are basing this on one person-you. Yes there are others that don't respond well to exercise. During a really bad depressive episode, exercise will NOT be enough to help. And, it can wear you out more to the point of feeling more depressed. Exercise is most beneficial when the brain is the person is well enough to respond to it-like when people are on a medication but still get mildly depressed or anxious, or, when someone is not on medication and gets mildly depressed and anxious. Exercise is NOT a cure for depression but it can help many many people that feel struggle at times with depression.
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on December 31, 2009, at 12:40:17
In reply to Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by julie1977 on December 30, 2009, at 5:41:38
> Has anyone else experienced this? Last night I worked out for over two hours at a high intensity. I came home and sat down, then I had a horrible depressed feeling in my chest, and my head felt unpleasant. It only lasted for a few minutes but was pretty horrible. It passed when I went and stroked and spoke to my baby rabbits. heh.
I'd say your overdoing it. Cutting intense exercise down to 30-60 min is healthier.
Posted by morganator on December 31, 2009, at 15:28:57
In reply to Re: Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood, posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on December 31, 2009, at 12:40:17
I agree that moderate or intense exercise for too long can wear you out to the point of being detrimental to your mental health. Definitely keep it limited to a shorter period of time.
Also, try taking some time immediately after wards to stretch. When you stretch make sure you do it properly and are breathing properly and relaxing at the same time. You want to sort of meditate while stretching. I believe a good stretch after a good hard workout is crucial to reaping the full mental health benefits.
Posted by Phillipa on December 31, 2009, at 19:40:56
In reply to Re: Intense exercise and temporary worsening of mood » Alexanderfromdenmark, posted by morganator on December 31, 2009, at 15:28:57
I totally agree with Alexander too much is not good. Balance is the key with all things. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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