Do your more depressed friends exercise less?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (220127)
Walnut Creek, California
March 28, 2018 9:26am CST
I know what depression feels like, mostly because it is a stage of grieving, and I've lost a few people I've loved.
But I have to admit a I get a bit grumpy/frustrated with friends and relations who are depressed and don't exercise.
Even moderate exercise (talking a walk, for example) increases dopamine, endorphin, serotonin and nor-epinephrine levels, all of which can reduce depression.
I understand the paradox (well, not a true paradox, but you know what I mean): "Lowered response initiation" (not doing stuff) is one of the symptoms of depression. So depressed people are more likely to say, "Eh, what's the use of taking a walk?"
That can lead to something of a downward spiral, since they'll exercise less and become more depressed. I'm writing about this because a friend is going through it right now. I used to hike with her, but these days I can't get her out of the house to hike. She'd rather watch a movie.
Have you noticed the "inverse" relationship between exercise and depression? Or, to put it more "happily," have you noticed the positive relationship between exercise and psychological well-being?
24 people like this
30 responses
@TheHorse (220127)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Mar 18
@LadyDuck Maybe it's no coincidence that Lion King is my favorite kids movie. Ancient Greek playwrights dealt with fate/destiny v. free will. So did Shakespeare. And so now we have Lion King, which is more or less Hamlet with cartoon lions.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72517)
• Philippines
29 Mar 18
I don't exercise .I haven't exercise for a year. Does that make me depress?
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220127)
• Walnut Creek, California
4 Apr 18
@toniganzon Then couch potato away! Heh. I'd feel blobous and depressed if I didn't exercise.
@spiderdust (14760)
• San Jose, California
28 Mar 18
I've noticed that with me. I've also noticed that if I get too stressed out, sometimes a good long walk makes a big difference.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220127)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Apr 18
@spiderdust WHICH is why I'm such an enthusiast?
@spiderdust (14760)
• San Jose, California
29 Mar 18
@TheHorse I did think when I read this earlier "I'll bet that's why he's such a hiking enthusiast!"
1 person likes this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
28 Mar 18
I do get it, my friend. hihi
But yes, I do understand the correlation between exercise and depression. The lazier you are, the more depression can get the better of you because all you think about is your depress state and of course that doesnt help. Mediocrity is the better way to put it.
2 people like this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
4 Apr 18
@TheHorse you should, my friend. and as of late I am such a mediocre. I have been waiting for the husband to finally go with our plans for the summer. So hopefully this April will be able to implement it haha
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
28 Mar 18
Yes, I do find that exercising and going out lifts my moods especially when it's sunny.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
30 Mar 18
@TheHorse That's great! You are an inspiration to all of us! 
@Tina30219 (82056)
• Onaway, Michigan
30 Mar 18
I exercise every Monday Wednesday and Friday. As soon as the weather gets nicer I will be going out and walking as much as possible
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
2 Apr 18
Oh wow! awesome photo! ..
Yes, exercise can help reducing anxiety or depression .. I feel less anxious when I exercise ..
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341824)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Apr 18
There seems to be much more depression around than there used to be. Do you think so? And if so, is it just because people are more open about it? More likely to seek a diagnosis and/or help?
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
16 Apr 18
I have no idea about my friends, but I know when I ride my bike to work every day, I feel better and sleep better. But I'm not "depressed". I think exercise is good for everyone.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
21 May 18
I've had major depression all my life. It comes in waves, like a tornado dropping down inside of me. My psychologist spoke about physical changes, that go on within a person's brain causing a chemical imbalance. All those medical names you mentioned above, play a part in this. My medical doctor instructed me to take this medication, every single day and to EXERCISE as much as possible. He said a brisk walk, will improve my entire outlook on life. Depression never goes away. Instead it's battled, by constant effort on my part.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
22 May 18
@TheHorse Yes, walking helps alleviate those emotional swings. I cycle during the warm weather and love how it helps release the pressure of anxiety. The panic attacks have been few and far between, with regular exercise. Citalopram is the medication I take, once a day.
@TheHorse (220127)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Apr 18
Understood. Depressed people have to overcome both "lowered response initiation" (not doing stuff) and "anhedonia" (not enjoying things they used to find pleasurable). Sometimes professional help is necessary. But talk therapy is often intermittent and not of high quality when it comes through ones medical provider.
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
30 Mar 18
Exercising for me reduces depression .I want to have sexy, fit and healthy body. I love to exercise because it makes me calm and relax.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
29 Mar 18
yea,quite a few i know aren't motivated to do anything when severely depressed.
my mom refuses to bathe even when she's like that..fun fun.
the best you can do is suggest things to get them going again,but depending on current mindset it may get ignored.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220127)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Apr 18
Yep, advice is often ignored. And depressed people often aren't interested in YOUR stories, leading to social isolation, increasing their depression. What I do, to the best of my ability, is shut up and listen. But I can only hear so much negative stuff until I tune out.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220127)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Apr 18
Right now I'm sipping coffee and exercising only my fingers. But preschool has the week off for Pesach, so all I HAVE to do this week is teach my evening psychology class. I got my car repaired yesterday, and cycled from and to the fix-it place while they were working on it (about 4 miles each way).
1 person likes this
@thedevilinme (4152)
• Northampton, England
28 Mar 18
she may have physical reasons she cant exercise. Its a sh*t that way
1 person likes this
@meganjaxt (190)
•
29 Mar 18
The importance of exercise can never be over emphasize in relation to depression. However, not too many are really able to step out and try different stuffs. I have a friend who could lock herself for a week or more. So sad even when I offer to take her for a walkout, she still refuses.
1 person likes this
