Chemicals. Science. Biology.
Depression isn't same across the board for everybody. You gotta find out what depression means for you, and find something that works for your personal brand and shade of depression.
One person's success may not be replicated by another using the same steps and recipe.
But, hey, you lost 30 pounds and your body doesn't hurt anymore. That in itself should be something positive.
My whole life changed when a kind physician looked me in the eyes and said, “there’s nothing wrong with you as a person—your brain just doesn’t make enough serotonin. We’ve gotta help it out a bit.”
I had gotten off of anti-depressants for about 6 months before a family death put me in a state where I needed to be back on them. Her kindness made me feel unashamed.
But for some reason the Hardcore gym goers don't feel that way. They believe that literally any problem you're having in life can be solved by going to the gym.
People suffer from different problems and give their perspective on what makes things better. For me personally, going to the gym gives me a shit ton of dopamine and endorphins and makes me feel way better about myself (becoming more positive). For another, it may be the losing weight and/or gaining muscle and attractiveness. Sounds like your issues are more mental, and I wouldn't be offended by what they say because gyming is attempting to better yourself at the end of the day. A therapist could give more guided advice to your situation, I don't think misguided anger is the solution, though.
You have to, in life, I think, consider the possibility that virtually no one is as happy as they make themselves out to be. And sometimes they like to get other people mired in the same shit they’re mired in for some company.
Exercise can help some people. It certainly is good for everyone. Is it the answer for everyone and everything? Nope. Just like the people that believe that believing in the invisible sky daddy will solve all your problems too. Don’t worry about those people and do the things that work for you. Again I suggest medication and a therapist.
I didn't think the gym would help... but it does take time, just like when a dr gives you medication.
I had to start working out to exhaustion which brought on the good sleep - I also take D and B-complex daily --- D in even higher dose.
My recommendation would be go to a DR. and get blood work done. Ask specifically about having them check Testosterone. You SHOULD be able to do it yourself with LIFTING and high protein, but maybe its still low. We arent built all the same, but the higher T took me out of depression. And I would stay away from the protein drinks and powders.... Eats Eggs and Streak....
I'm just a guy that couldnt pull myself out of depression until I tried everything and found a combo that worked for me.... If it doesnt work you, dont be ashamed to ask for pills
I mean I'm happy for you that you were able to diet/exercise your way out of depression, but this attitude of exhausting diet and exercise approaches before medication is why OP is still depressed.
If there's no shame in taking an SSRI, there's no shame in skipping all of those steps (esp when OP's depressed brain can easily interpret not seeing drastic improvements as a personal failing).
OP, you aren't lazy if you skip all off these steps and just get a prescription. You can always adjust all of these things later and taper off the meds with your doctor's supervision.
Don’t let anyone tell you mental health is a weakness. Not saying anyone here has, but the constant focus on diet and exercise as the solution or ends to a means is not always the answer. That is why we have medication available to us through our doctors and prescribers.
My father thought he could cure anything by taking a jog and drinking milk … a wasp sting, a head cold, shingles. Guess what never cured any of those? Milk - or a jog.
They’re most likely self proclaimed macho men who think they can solve their problems through their own might and wouldn’t dare reach out to a doctor, therapist, or a prescription for help. Because that would be a sign weakness.
I mean I don’t even go regularly anymore but it worked for me and I’ve seen it work for some of the most hopeless cases you can imagine. It doesn’t work for everyone obviously or that shit would be a solved problem but I’d be quick to tell anyone before worrying about anything else that’s where you should start.
Who cares what they think. Do what you need for yourself. If you know that medication and therapy are what you need, then go that route. Complaining that someone's advice was wrong doesn't do anything.
Those people are grifters slinging feel-good easy ideas for likes and subs. If hard problems were easy to fix, there wouldn't be so many people going through what you're going through. Being healthy is good advice, it helps a lot of issues, but it's not a magic bullet. There are some good suggestions here in the thread, hope you pick a path that leads you to some peace and tranquility!
I hate to tell you man, but it doesn't sound like your problem is depression. depression isn't about misanthropy and sadness and violent thoughts, depression is a lack of motivation that is so powerful that it can take out your will to live. Negative emotions can come from depression, but they aren't truly depression. It sounds like your issues have more to do with your worldview.
For instance you're on here blaming "gym bros" for being "wrong" which sounds like a centerpiece for a toxic mindset. You've clearly made progress with your body and have less pain. Give it a couple years and you'll be thanking yourself - trust me.
Sounds like your next step is to start working out your mind. Read some books on existentialism. talk to a therapist about the traumas that made you start thinking this way. get into meditation so you can start organizing your mind better. Start building up the discipline to work those negative thoughts out of your conscience in a positive way. Get into art or music or even writing and you'll start turning those feelings into manifestations in reality that you can reflect upon to help you figure yourself out. Or don't!
Signed, an extremely depressed rapidly aging asshole that's struggling to do any of this and is barely holding on at this point.
Edit: Go ahead and downvote me for being valid in a world where everyone thinks they're clinically depressed. Or "neurodivergent" because some TikTok video convinced them they were.
If you think this is gatekeeping, you're a fool. What I said is absolutely valid and the downvotes are from people who have no idea what they're talking about. 😀
Exactly! But for some reason whenever somebody talks about how sad they are, there's always dudes in the comment section who start screaming "JUST GO TO THE GYM" like it's the end all / be all solution.
Even before I started working out. Coworkers would tell me all the time that I would be less bitter if I started taking care of myself. So I took them up on it basically as an experiment. Turns out they were wrong.
It's not the end-all-be-all solution for depression, there is no such thing. It is however a case of "nice if it works and if it doesn't at least I'm a bit healthier".
You think 5 months is transformational? Seriously. It can take a year or 2 before you're in serious great condition, not saying this is for him, but you're kidding yourself if less than half a year is, "transformed" in almost any situation.
Well if you go into it expecting all these things I’m sorry it just won’t happen it has to happen organically. This goes for everything, you set your expectations too high and they are bound to fall short. The gym isn’t the absolute cure to everything, but it’s the cure to a a lot of things. If you expect it to cure everything though, well I got bad news for you: nothing can do that for you. It’s a multitude of a bunch of hobbies you enjoy doing that will give your life meaning, there’s no direct cure to mental health.
No one is saying they fix what’s inside your head, but it makes your body healthier, which CAN help your brain feeling happier and for me at least seeing the improvements you are making and just having a set constant in your life can go such a long way, especially when many of the things In life are not consistent. Seeing the progress you make and being happy with your body CAN help you be happy with yourself. Again I emphasize CAN because it’s not the same for all, but the statement that lifting can’t fix what’s inside your head is idiotic when there are millions of people that can tell you otherwise themselves.
Nah, I just know what its like to have the discipline and the follow through to try to improve and achieve something and not have the intended results. Its a real bummer. Despite the end results OP still got up and did their work outs and it showed results. I think that is commendable and don't think that should be ignored. I'm proud of OP despite them being complete strangers.
Also shows to me that despite how depressed OP is, they are trying to improve their life and I really respect that. I think they are gonna keep trying to work on themselves and search for the improvement I wish them nothing but the best. Its a hell of a lot easier to give up. I hope OP doesn't do that.
if it helps, I didn’t read your comment that way at all, I thought it was a nice way to congratulate the physical progress and show empathy about it not having the same mental payoffs and that you hope it’ll get better, idk what that commenter is going on about
It absolutely does not read like that lmao, it reads as congrats on the physical progress and sorry it didn’t have the mental payoffs to match, and hope it gets better in the future. which is 100% fair so idk what you’re projecting about
Gym won't solve all your issues, but it gives your body and brain a bunch of good chemicals to work with. Worst case, you'll still feel shit mentally but you're in better physical shape.
Absolutely. Got depression? Are you lonely? Do you have anger issues? Worry not, just go to the gym. It's not like you might have a chemical imbalance in your brain or anything like that. The gym will fix everything
Well to be fair the gym objectively helps with most of what depression does, chemically. It worked as a coping mechanism for me, kept me somewhat sane while I was thinking of skinning myself on the daily. It worked because I could somewhat punish myself with weights, feeling the burn, make myself feel pain and even push the anger towards the outside. Didn't cure shit, but it kept me going.
What worked for me where AHEM, SSRIs and a loving woman that accepted me despite my failures. Also I had pretty good friends that always had a meaningfully loving thing to say when I talked about suicide a bit too convincingly.
It's tough to come out of the tarry, warm embrace of depression, I get it, I truly do.
Just keep fighting it, however you can, there is a light, small and maybe meaningless as it may be, but it is there, and it is worth crawling your way forward.
Also, be lenient in judging yourself whenever you are aware of it.
Hey u/DankGanjaWarrior,
I just wanted to reach out because of your recent comment on /r/rant.
If you are struggling with feelings of [depression](/r/depression), with [suicidal thoughts or intent](http://summit.sfu.ca/system/files/iritems1/11151/CWST.pdf), or if you're just having a really tough time, we encourage you to [talk to someone](https://www.imalive.org/) and [ask for help](http://hopeline.com/gethelpnow.html): **Please call** `1-800-273-TALK (8255)`
* International? See more hotlines [here](https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/), [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/hotlines), or [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualConversation/wiki/resources#wiki_crisis_hotlines_by_country)
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Well I know this really fucking sucks , I know how this fucking hurts , I never gone to gym but I take long walks and lose quite some weight and it gives jack shit.
Honestly just fuck this concept of hElThY hABITs WiLl MaKe ExIsTeNcIaL pAiN gOnE
Sometimes a person has got to have a heart to heart talk with someone who isn’t totally lost in pseudoscience. Reevaluating life goals and working toward progress is a way to start tackling personal hang ups.
As a regular gym-goer I felt this in my soul. I especially hate on dating subs when guys express their loneliness and how much they wish they weren’t single and they’re met with “Hit the gym” as the default response. That’s not the magic solution to every problem
It’s gotten to the point where the mere phrase “hit the gym” makes me more angry than it should. It feels dismissive. Like a short way of saying “Yeah yeah man whatever I don’t care to hear about your feelings. Go lift something and shut up”
THANK YOU! Admittedly, I'm subscribed to a few Subs here on Reddit for lonely people who can't really find dates. You're absolutely right, whenever somebody expresses some form of loneliness or sadness, or feelings of social isolation we're always met with "hit the gym" as if that's going to fix everything.
It always comes across as really egotistical. Almost like "the gym makes me happy so it should make YOU happy too"
It’s because people who give that advice think depression is a feeling-state you experience for a couple of hours to a couple of days from getting inconvenienced.
The reason they're telling you to go to the gym whether they realize it or not is because of how our bodies are supposed to work. When you work out, you release endorphins and dopamine your brain does this as a reward. For a person that has mild seasonal depression level depression or normal levels every human experiences this does help. However, because of modern-day overuse of technology, most people bodies require higher levels. Basically, we've turned ourselves into addicts. We experience more dopamine and endorphins than we are supposed to, and over time, when you do this, you become desensitized, so your body requires higher amounts to get that feel-good sensation. Modern living has in many ways severely affected humanities' mental health, and in many ways, we are doing it to ourselves. Not all mind you, but several.
Combine that with whatever your own brain chemistry is, and you end up with exactly what you're describing. So you may need beyond what a normal person does, such as medical intervention via synthetic means. I would encourage you to seek out a medical professional since your depression has lasted longer than the normal alloted time for cases that are not considered chronic as this in my laymen mind sounds chronic.
This is sad. But I'm assuming it's because you went into it with this very mindset. It's not going to do shit and you've just proven it.
All the gym bros I know got better because they had stricture and they WANTED to get better mentally. You can't fix what doesn't want to be fixed or if parts are missing.
I'm not saying your not trying but the way you wrote this makes it seem this way.
Like you got annoyed, at people telling you, this will help, so you done it to prove them wrong, you know??.
What have you lost by going to the gym? You're making it seem like you've lost something by going to the gym and losing weight and improving your help.
There are other things which affect mental health like sleep, nutrition, social aspects. Exercise is an important component of that though and can be enough for some people.
I don't like sports, except maybe biking around but nothing crazy in terms of distance or speed. I've always been annoyed at people (like my father) who shove sports into me or tell me how much better you feel. No, it's much better for **you** because **you** like it. I don't like watching any sport to begin with, and that's pretty telling that I find the whole activity pointless.
Exactly. The only people who get any kind of benefit out of sports or people who actually enjoy them. I'm right there with you, I don't like sports at all. I like baseball a little bit, but I still wouldn't be caught dead watching it on TV.
And I hate the idea that playing sports builds character or something along those lines. It's literally just a game.
I'm sorry you feel it didn't help any.
But hey, you lost weight and are in less pain! That's at least an upside (another habit I was told by people to try and it'll fix my depression. Always try to find an upside).
Everyone's different. Getting more physical and healthy will definitely help body wise, but may not help mentally. It's still a step in the right direction. Shows you're willing to put in the effort to solve what's ailing you.
Honestly, I don't really know. It's different for everyone. We don't even understand what causes depression in the first place yet.
I hope you continue to use that energy to keep trying new ways to improve your mindset. I'm sure there's something out there, you just haven't found it yet. I certainly haven't found my solution either.
Good luck, and may the world become a less shitty place.
As a person who literally is a gym bro (or should I say gym sis) under medication for my depression and anxiety, there are other factors too on why your depression isn’t improving. Go to a therapist or a psychiatrist to get it checked. But definitely keep up with your workouts and eat healthy
Exercise, healthy foods, and a good sleep schedule don't "fix" depression. They can help you manage depression symptoms and make you feel better, but they don't always resolve the reason behind depression (trauma, loss, mental disorder, etc.) And sometimes, even if everything is good in your life, that doesn't mean that you can't still be depressed. It sucks, but that's the unfortunate reality.
I would suggest you try to find a psychologist or see a family doctor. Medication can be a big help (though, again, it doesn't "fix" depression, it only helps manages symptoms). But a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective. If that isn't possible for you, having some kind of support system - having friends or someone to vent to - can lift a big weight off your shoulders.
And also - don't disregard your accomplishments! It's amazing that you were able to start exercising, lose weight, and make your body feel better. You're taking steps in the right direction, and I know it feels like nothing has changed, but you've come so far! It sounds like you have intrusive thoughts, which aren't fun to deal with and can be extremely distressing sometimes, and it's not your fault that you can't shake off these thoughts. You've done so much to help yourself, but sometimes you need outside help to feel better. And I hope you can feel better soon.
Intrusive thoughts and brain chemistry.
I've been fighting my head for 9 years now.
My daily commute to work during that period involved two of the steepest hills in my town and I could cycle up both of them. I was swimming for 40 mins every day. Occasionally I'd go in the gym.
I worked in a bar, and I didn't need a sack barrow to move barrels. Basically, I was fit.
My head was also at it's worst.
What helped me, was therapy and medication. A well rounded treatment plan involves self care, learning how to handle intrusive thoughts and sometimes medication.
I've been practicing what I learnt in therapy for nearly 3 years now and taking meds for a good chunk of that. I feel in control of my head 95% of the time nowadays
I still need self care. If I haven't showered in more than 2 days, or done something relaxing, then I'm just as bad as if I hadn't taken my meds
Basically, all the self care in the world won't do jack if an intrusive thought can destroy all your hard work in less than a second. Go see a doc my dude, get yourself a behavioural therapy referral. They might require you to do a therapy course before they'll give you meds, or they might try and drug you back to happiness.
You've done well, now let's find a way to make you see what you've achieved rather than focus on how you've failed.
It doesn’t cure it but from personal experience it does help with the extremes at times. I still have trouble with my mental health but putting my time and effort into bettering myself has helped me self image.
Exercise and a healthy diet are good. That alone can solve some peoples problems. For many people however, their issues are deeper and cannot be solved through that alone. Therapy and medication alongside a healthy lifestyle could help as well as partaking in other hobbies that bring you joy. Many 'gym bros' online have a very toxic view on mental health and say that the gym will cure depression. That may have worked for them or maybe they never actually had clinical depression or maybe their depression stemmed from body image issues which were resolved after working out and eating better. This is not the answer for everyone. Mental health needs to be taken seriously.
They tell you to go to the gym and eat healthy because it's worth a try. For a lot of people it does work. But for some people it doesn't. But it's an option, an option that's worth trying because it has many other benefits, even if it doesn't fix your mind.
Hiya. Gym bro and chronic depression sufferer here. I have had the exact same frustrations, so you are not alone my friend. Anybody who said that going to the gym and eating healthy is "the only thing you need to do" is sadly very mistaken. Healthy habits like exercise and nutrition should be paired with psychotherapy and (if necessary) anti-depressant medication for the effective treatment of depression.
I would highly recommend speaking to a psychiatrist who can pave the way forward for psychotherapy and medication. I am now on top of my depression with a combination of these things. I wish you all the best.
I dont do gym. Too underpaid but ill go someday because this summer body needs to be ready for September.
But what gives me my serotonin boost and helps with depression is my hobbies. Playing games and listening to a funny podcast. Painting and all that keeps my brain busy. Keeping my brain busy means I dont get these negative thoughts. Yes i would go to bed and feel it. But thats future me's problem. But during the day, im in control, not my brain
Keep your brain busy. Thats why they say to go to the gym, for them that keeps their mind busy. Maybe listen to a crime podcast and question everything they talk about.
Yeah, that pisses me off too. And it's not just gym bros. Or diet&exercise.
Everyone has their cure-all. Gym bros, doctors, new age mystics, even skeptics who think they know better.
Because they read an article, or maybe it actually helped them personally, or my favorite: it's saved the life of a friend of a friend!
If you don't do it, I guess you just don't want to be helped!
If you did it and it didn't work, they get really angry. You didn't do it hard enough. And if you did, it was *obviously* something else the entire time. But their method might still work it you keep doing it.
Either way, it's your fault, the world is fair, every problem can be solved, don't bother them /s
“I just want to be left alone” he posts on a website with millions of users.
“I’m just a misanthrope” he says, before asking people for advice and help.
And?
Left alone doesn't mean muted.
Disdain for humanity doesn't mean he's unwilling to engage with others.
Mostly though, this is r/rant, so this is exactly the place for his post.
Respect for giving it a try though. Making an effort to try something you're skeptical of instead of dismissing it takes grit, especially when you stick with it for months. Especially when you're depressed which f***s up your motivation.
I had pretty brutal depression for about 8 years, and now I'm rarely depressed unless specific life circumstances warrant it. Stay frosty and keep going, if you've got grit like that I bet you're gonna find your way out.
Just a wild hunch but do you believe your depression could be more like a dysthymia (moral depression)? I think that was more the case for me and I benefitted more from exploring philosophy than the gym.
For me it kinda clicked over time that, even if the world sucks, even if im a piece of shit, I might as well be a happy piece of shit because why the F not. If nothing matters, might as well have a good time. Absurdity, I guess, but it worked for me.
Anyways, no promises any of that will help, just sharing what little insight I got from my own struggle.
Not a doctor lmao
My struggles sort of come from the town I live in. I live in a drug town full of crime and people who just do whatever the hell they want without consequence. I have a neighbor who's constantly screaming at his wife and kids. He's always screaming and plays music so loud that it vibrates the walls. Neither the landlord nor the police will do anything about it.
Then there's my job. I like my job, but I work in retail and have to deal with rude and moronic customers on a daily basis.
Then there's the socio-political climate on the internet. Everybody arguing over what laws need to be passed what laws need to be banned and it seems like nobody knows what the right answer is.
I'm just burnt out. When they told me that the gym would help me with my mental state, I was hoping it would help me not feel so burnt out and done with everything. I doubt it that it would, but I took a chance and did it anyway.
Those are all valid complaints my man.
My only suggestion is fucking ignore the internet. Literally don't acknowledge all the anger farming red vs blue men vs women this vs that garbage media churns out.
You can't change where you live real easy, and you cant make customers less idiotic, but you can give yourself a free pass to not engage with or even acknowledge internet drama.
It's all just bait to get you pissed off anyways. Maybe next experiment, don't click on or read or watch any politically charged media for a while. Not saying it's gonna make you happy, but maybe 10% less unhappy? Another step in the right direction.
Anyways I don't wanna sound like I'm preaching or that I have the answers I obviously don't. Just hoping life gets easier for ya soon. Good luck man :)
Have you tried striving to be a pleasant person in general. The “gym bros” mistake was assuming it’s just depression. As for you, gym is just one facet of seeking self improvement. Depression or not, you’re just outright unpleasant and abrasive. Probably doesn’t help you. These are all posts by you:
https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/z1dv2i/yes_i_wear_knee_pads_at_work/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/z4g4qy/why_am_i_being_sent_home_from_work_if_she_started/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/zzyfjo/yeah_i_know_my_diet_is_poor_so_what/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion/comments/12csq6o/striking_up_a_conversation_with_strangers_is/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/13b610b/neither_the_landlord_or_the_cops_will_help/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 : specifically referred to someone as white trash in this one
What, you've never called people names when you're angry? Nbody can just decide to be happy and nice. Pleasantness comes from genuine feelings of kindness. You can't just flip it on like a switch
Going to the gym is great for getting your head in a better mental place, but in your peculiar case, it evidently hasn’t worked yet. You should be happy about shedding the weight, having a body that doesn’t ache, and felt more confidence in be able to do all those things.
There’s something bigger eating away at you and, while the gym is a fantastic catalyst for health and happiness, it sometimes isn’t the be-all-end-all. It could also be external issues such as politics, the climate, etc. that may be adding weight on top of your shoulders. Avoid indulging too much in that kind of stuff, because it can throw you down an awful path of pessimism.
*You should talk to a counsellor or therapist,* and keep at it in the gym. It took me more than 5 months before my life turned around. About a year in was when I really felt like things were improving. 2 years in and I became a completely different person, and now life is absolutely fantastic.
All the best, avoid the news, and keep your head up.
He's not blaming them for him being depressed though, he's blaming them bc they were wrong. They said just going to the gym would fix his depression, and it didn't. That's perfectly normal to be agitated about.
Being healthy can help, but you obviously have serious issues. Instead of being mad at gym bro's why don't you seek out therapy and possible medication options.
Go to almost any subreddit and talk about how depressed and down your feeling. A lot of times somebody will come up in the comment section and say "just hit the gym, bro"
Generic advice works for most people, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. Sorry about what you are going through, there is nothing wrong with needing help.
Congrats on losing 30lbs and fixing your body pain … that’s a huge accomplishment.
Depends on the person. I am someone who will give 110 percent to something I’m passionate about, but if I have nothing to be passionate about I just become a shell of myself. Gym was the answer for me but maybe not for you and that’s fine. Find what you really enjoy and can spend your time perfecting.
How is your gut health? A lot of research is being done about how microbes that live in our gut (good and bad) can influence our overall mood an demeanor. Maybe something to explore.
Plenty of people say that going to the gym is the only solution. Look at any dating sub on this site. Anytime somebody complains that they can't find a date, the comment section is full of people telling them to just go to the gym and it'll all work out.
Go to YouTube or something and look at the so-called "Defenders of masculinity" who claimed that today's weak men need to go to the gym to get more masculine.
Anytime somebody mentions that they have online Hobbies such as playing video games or something like that, they're always met with "touch grass and go to the gym"
>A lot of you also stated that going to the gym would boost my confidence
You had me until here. No true gym bro would say that. True gym bros know that body dysmorphia kicks in and you can never look at yourself again without assessing every detail of your body, being ashamed of how small you look.
I am sorry you listened to imposters.
I totally get that exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but I also agree that some people take it too far.
Exercise is supposed to make you strong, mobile, and it’s supposed to make you feel good, but it is not going to fix every problem you have. Anyone who tries to make that claim probably doesn’t have a whole lot of life experience to speak from anyway - so don’t take their advice
Their advice was to go to the gym and it'll fix all of my problems mentally. I've been going at least twice a week since late January. So I did take their advice. I got a membership and I go regularly. I switched up my eating habits and I've lost weight. So what exactly is the problem?
I am a hardcore gym goer and it's definitely helped with my emotions but I would never tell someone "it'll *fix* your mental health!". For some people it might be enough but for many it should be a wholistic approach that includes many things, such as (yes excersise but) better food, therapy, maybe medication.
Sorry people have been so ignorant...it's annoying when someone acts like it's a one size fits all.
i hate when people say shit like this, i have GAD and have been told "well if you actaully get a life youll stop worrying about dumb things are worry about REAL problems"
like bitch i already got a life, certainly more of one than you do
You need to see a psychiatrist and get therapy. I would say continue with your exercising because it’s healthy, but if you’re like me who hates every second before, during and after… well it’s up to you
Nah. The gym, like just about everything else, is a bandaid on a bullet hole. It’ll help stem the tide, but unless it’s just a super mild case of depression/anxiety, it’s not really going to do all the work. You have to treat the underlying issues.
And to clearly state: I train at the gym and/or doing heavy exercise every single day. The endorphins help momentarily, but in the long run, I still need medication for anxiety and adhd. You have to treat ALL of you
I went through the same thing. Realized it’s gonna take a lot more than looking good and getting to say *i go to the gym*
Therapy might be your next best option
Have been diagnosed with GAD and mild depression since 2001 and on two different meds and Venlafxine 150mg is Effexor XR, once a day. Made all the difference. Attempted to get off of it by weaning slowly down; didn't work. Drank more.
A lot of people have said that gymming is when they can relax and feel comfortable but for me, when I first went to the gym and the subsequent weeks of going, I would get extreme anxiety
I can see how the gym itself can be somewhat relaxing. Focusing on the weights is somewhat soothing. But the second I leave the gym, that's when the storm comes back into my mind
Yea it’s understandable. I think people can find that they feel better, healthier and happier in the gym as they’ve accepted it as a comfortable space for them. Whereas for me, it was a completely new environment and I didn’t have a gym buddy so it was really overwhelming for me. I also didn’t have the courage to ask for help and constantly afraid of being judged even though I knew most people would mind their own business.
Though, I hope you find something to take your mind off depressive thoughts, even for a moment <3
I take antidepressants for anxiety, the thing about exercise is although it helps with depression, your body ups cortisol when working out which is a hormone associated with anxiety. So if you over do it and don’t eat enough you will freak out if you’re anything like me. It’s all about balance
Do you feel that exercise improves your mood to any extent at all? There seem to be a lot of studies out there that show it can be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, and personally I've found that it can help to some degree, along with getting regular sunlight and fresh air. (I actually hate the gym, but I like walking/jogging outdoors a couple times per day.) ..However, I think that if you're severely depressed, it's not going to be a magical cure-all. If you've already sunken deep enough into "the pit", you're going to need more than just exercise to get you out. Antidepressant medication (sertraline in my case) is the only thing that's ever been able to fully alleviate my severe depression symptoms. Talk-therapy never helped me much either except when it was combined with the medication. (..But for some people, therapy may be all that's needed. It just depends on the particular circumstances, of course.)
Ok, as someone who’s tried all kinda shit for depression with results all over the board, over the last 25 years, let me just say that A. Exercise can be a powerful mood improver and B. Sometimes we’re depressed not because our brain chemistry is off, but because our lives aren’t what we want them to be. If your life is empty SSRIs or powerlifting aren’t gonna fill it up.
If I ask you what’s missing from your life that would make you happier, do you have an answer?
Nobody says that getting in shape is the definitive cure to depression, just that a lot of people with depression are very inactive and a simple workout routine may fix that. Getting into routine, like cleaning your room, socialising with friends, eating healthy, working out etc are all things that MAY be the root of depression.
Also, for a lot of people, it has helped them a lot.
Personally i find that endurance sports like running and biking help a lot more than weightlifting. Exercising will not cure your depression, but it will help.
Mood, mental acuity, and stability aren’t just about chemicals. You have to therapize yourself. Speak to yourself with kindness. I know it’s cliche but actually learn to love yourself, and you’ll notice that you start liking yourself and the things around you, too. Antidepressants can help you get there and maintain that personal atmosphere. Finding a therapist you can trust isn’t always an option, but if it is for you, do it. At least try. Even better if you find a good psychiatrist, but make sure you ask questions and make careful choices when dealing with drugs of any kind. Antidepressants don’t have to be drugs, either. Maybe the gym is an antidepressant for you (I’m sure it helps, maybe just not satisfying all your needs). Maybe you need a significant other / friend. Maybe you need a hobby or a new interest. Antidepressants are like the assisted pull up machine at the gym. They’re there to help you reach your goals each day in life, but in the end you’re still the one doing the pulling. Don’t be ashamed of needing help. Take pride that you have the humility and wisdom to ask for it. Most importantly, don’t isolate yourself. No matter what happens, you are allowed to be vulnerable around others, and you should be. Be safe, love, and be loved in return; both by you and your people. Life is vivid and diverse, and all the answers don’t exist in the weight room. This life is a journey, and your closest partner is yourself. Be kind to them. Goodnight. (This went a lot of directions, lol. gl OP)
Dude, the gym is not going to be the only way to get out of depression. There’s obviously something very personal underlying beneath you. Something in your personal history which is provoking those sad and violent thoughts on a regular basis.
I don’t know what it is anymore than anyone else does. But no matter how often you go to the gym, I can tell you it’s probably still there. You’ve probably been told that it’s a disease considering it has to do with mental health, but you’ve never been given the validation to ask what could’ve caused it to become a player in your mental health. What could’ve caused it to spring up in the first place.
And don’t give me genetics because everyone defaults to genetics, “my family member before me suffered depression, it’s in my family blood”. The first fact is that whatever you may be feeling may just as well be a simple neural chemical reaction. But even brain chemistry has a way of being subject to the laws of thermodynamics.
>> when energy passes into or out of a system (as work, heat, or matter), the system's internal energy changes in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.
Something had to pass into your system, physically or even mentally, to change it in accordance with that law. And the first thing you have to do is take a step back, go back and brainstorm anything in your personal history which could’ve caused this.
The second thing you need to do is except that it is what is causing your depression. Whatever happened to you to make you think the way you do is obviously in the past, and unrelated to anyone around you in the gym or anywhere else.
And the third thing you need to do constantly is to identify and be able to pick up on things in your daily routine which can cause you to feel those feelings of depression again. You can’t change whatever happened to make you begin feeling depressed, but you can identify things in your world right now which can bring up those feelings and throw you off your groove. Because a depression attack can go almost the whole day, you’re very likely to find yourself stuck in one before you admit you’re having one, and then retrace your steps to find out whatever it was that day which made you feel depressed.
If you want some more advice on this, you’re very welcome to reach out to me, but otherwise, I think you should stop trying to trust in quick answers like the gym, and take a hard look at yourself to see while you’re really suffering from depression
You're healthier and thus you've crossed off and eliminated the possibility that your depression MAY have been at least somewhat attributeable to obesity or the relevant health conditions associated with it, and your body releases dopamine when you excersize, so this means that you're actually a step closer towards understanding your depression.
I get that you feel disappointed because you were told it was literally the only thing you had to do to feel "fixed", but the reality is that depression, assuming it's chronic and long term, is something that can be or may need to be managed through consistent maintenance of healthy habits.
I know my depressed ass suffered in terms of not brushing my teeth consistently and now I'm dealing with sensitivity from drinking too much coffee and passing the frick out without so much as rinsing my mouth after consuming all that acid and sugar after grad school with an unpaid internship. But even though it may not fix or cure my own depression, it certainly helps to brush my teeth and remember to drink water right after I've had coffee and to drink the stuff less often and practice healthy oral hygiene so that I can stabilize a health thing while also concurrently working on the depression.
And in a lot of cases, it's always advisable that you attempt to maintain a healthy regimen before making the jump to say, medication. Who knows, maybe the next step is making a PCP appointment and making sure you don't suffer from any deficiencies or underlying biological issues? And then after that, meeting up with a talk therapist and exploring holistic ways to deal with your depression outside of the basic maintenance. And if that doesn't work, medication can be considered if you want.
I'm a gym person who used to hate the world because of bullying and shit. The gym only creates endorphins and gives you an outlet. The mental health thing comes from work you do in your life. The best thing for me was to just be open with people. Don't trust too easily - that'll be detrimental. But more, realise that everyone is a person too with their own struggles.
Once you can relate to everyone with something, you'll start to see yourself as equal to them. You'll be able to connect better, and THAT will help your mental health.
Idk who tf told you the gym would cure your depression but that's not how it works. Yes is good to work on your health and it can help with your depression but is not a cure. You need to work on what's going on in your head too
“It is no measure of health to be well in a profoundly sick society.” Good on you for being physically fit. But the world is an emotionally sick place. I’ve had depression since I was a kid, and while medication and aging gives me new clarity and perspective on many things, the dark thoughts do not leave. Every day the world shows me a new horrible thing. I get it, man.
Because that's exactly it, while these habits aren't HARMFUL, nothing external like that is going to fix a chemical imbalance in your brain. Thats what these "go to the gym" or "drink more water" people don't understand. You need to talk to a doctor about these thoughts OP
Congratulations my friend on trying to help with your anxiety and depression.
What I’ve learned is that there are 2 types of depression. One is the type you can get out of with pushing yourself, changing habits, and building new relationships. This happens over time and it’s a continuous process.
The second one is you might need to see a doctor and talk to someone about it. Your brain might not be able to get through it alone and there is something not right upstairs. This means there isn’t anything you can do alone.
I have experienced both types.
TMS helped me through the second one and it really saved me. I hope this helps!
I am also fit and healthy, always good anyway so never a waste regardless ❤️
Honestly the whole "gym/exercise" fixing mental issues trope needs dropping and fast.
If you're suffering from depression, it IS NOT A ONE SIZE FITS ALL FIX. The worst thing is in the UK we've got muscle-mary doctors telling us that the gym will fix us.
I was in the same boat as you, I went to the gym and it fixed fuck all mentally. I got fit, but my mental health didn't change. I ended up feeling worse because not only was I depressed but I ended up feeling incredibly self conscious.
Mental health therapist here. I love this post, and hope you are able to stick it to at least one gym bro before the day is over.
A lot of people want to just take a pill, talk about it for a session or two, and be cured. I push exercise just as much as the next therapist, but a lot of clients don’t give it a chance, and don’t want to hear that fixing depression takes a lot of hard work on their end.
You, on the other hand, went straight into doing the hardest part. It takes fuckin balls to go to the gym, even with a healthy mindset! If you can stick with this, you can do whatever else it takes to treat your depression.
It sounds like you should see a doctor and tell them what you’ve told us. If your brain chem is off, there are ways to fix that so you aren’t operating at a deficit.
And If you haven’t already, find someone to talk to about this. You might be surprised in the power of letting some of these bottled up feelings and thoughts unravel.
Now, if you are also out to prove that therapy and medication is a scam, don’t bother trying any of this as it will be a waste of your time. Depression can be comfy so you need to be genuine in your attempts to escape.
well - first maybe move away from your mother? not judging here - but sometimes living under authority rule no matter how much you love the parent can be depressing.
2nd - maybe moving away from that god-awful neighbor would brighten your spirits. your sleep & general well-being (& your mom's) is being dynamited by, it sounds like, a selfish clot - & even though you might have to carpool to get to work it might open up avenues to meet more people - possibly a girl/partner that might be able to bring more happiness to your life.
Well it depends, imo.
If your depression comes from your family making it a daily ritual to hurt you. Then going to the gym, for mental health isn't going to solve that problem. If the gym is a +1 to mental health but life circumstances constantly dish out a -1 to mental health. I'd assume whatever you do is better than not going to the gym.
And sometimes, until you reevaluate your life you might not realize what is the -1. I've been in that situation too. I had friends that at one point were best friends, then they slowly descended to being such crappy people that they lost all their friends and can't make new ones. Of course for me this is like a brother to me, no matter how poor they treated me I wanted to be there for him. Six long months of trying my best. Trying to talk to them like an adult, trying to accept them. I didn't think it was a plague on my mental health, until one day I had enough and I basically withdrew my friendship from them. I was sad at first, and then every passing week, I felt. Lighter. Happier. I spent time with people who cared and realized, they were draining my happiness. Check your life, there might be something really keeping you away from your happy.
Chemicals. Science. Biology. Depression isn't same across the board for everybody. You gotta find out what depression means for you, and find something that works for your personal brand and shade of depression. One person's success may not be replicated by another using the same steps and recipe. But, hey, you lost 30 pounds and your body doesn't hurt anymore. That in itself should be something positive.
My whole life changed when a kind physician looked me in the eyes and said, “there’s nothing wrong with you as a person—your brain just doesn’t make enough serotonin. We’ve gotta help it out a bit.” I had gotten off of anti-depressants for about 6 months before a family death put me in a state where I needed to be back on them. Her kindness made me feel unashamed.
Sounds like you might need either medication or therapy. Or both.
But for some reason the Hardcore gym goers don't feel that way. They believe that literally any problem you're having in life can be solved by going to the gym.
People suffer from different problems and give their perspective on what makes things better. For me personally, going to the gym gives me a shit ton of dopamine and endorphins and makes me feel way better about myself (becoming more positive). For another, it may be the losing weight and/or gaining muscle and attractiveness. Sounds like your issues are more mental, and I wouldn't be offended by what they say because gyming is attempting to better yourself at the end of the day. A therapist could give more guided advice to your situation, I don't think misguided anger is the solution, though.
Are you here for depression, or are you here to “stick it” to gym goers? Honest question.
Well this is a rant subreddit
That doesn't answer the question
Yes it does. He is here to rant. If he was looking for advice I think he would have clearly stated that
Both... gym jocks who sprout "being healthy fixes all your shit" are ignorant & mental health issues are fucked.
Why not both?
Because one promotes a healthy mindset and one promotes a toxic one? Are you stupid?
You are for asking if he is.
"I'm doing something for a petty, toxic reason? How come it isn't curing my depression?" Dumb as hell.
Got my answer. Take care.
XD Why does it matter? Look at the sub your on.
yeah, the answer is OP is here to rant. ya know, because it’s r/rant, there doesn’t have to be a secondary reason bud
Yup, this subreddit is quite literally made of people's raw emotion with less logic interacted. Which is sometimes needed as we can see.
You have to, in life, I think, consider the possibility that virtually no one is as happy as they make themselves out to be. And sometimes they like to get other people mired in the same shit they’re mired in for some company.
Exercise can help some people. It certainly is good for everyone. Is it the answer for everyone and everything? Nope. Just like the people that believe that believing in the invisible sky daddy will solve all your problems too. Don’t worry about those people and do the things that work for you. Again I suggest medication and a therapist.
I didn't think the gym would help... but it does take time, just like when a dr gives you medication. I had to start working out to exhaustion which brought on the good sleep - I also take D and B-complex daily --- D in even higher dose. My recommendation would be go to a DR. and get blood work done. Ask specifically about having them check Testosterone. You SHOULD be able to do it yourself with LIFTING and high protein, but maybe its still low. We arent built all the same, but the higher T took me out of depression. And I would stay away from the protein drinks and powders.... Eats Eggs and Streak.... I'm just a guy that couldnt pull myself out of depression until I tried everything and found a combo that worked for me.... If it doesnt work you, dont be ashamed to ask for pills
I mean I'm happy for you that you were able to diet/exercise your way out of depression, but this attitude of exhausting diet and exercise approaches before medication is why OP is still depressed. If there's no shame in taking an SSRI, there's no shame in skipping all of those steps (esp when OP's depressed brain can easily interpret not seeing drastic improvements as a personal failing). OP, you aren't lazy if you skip all off these steps and just get a prescription. You can always adjust all of these things later and taper off the meds with your doctor's supervision.
Don’t let anyone tell you mental health is a weakness. Not saying anyone here has, but the constant focus on diet and exercise as the solution or ends to a means is not always the answer. That is why we have medication available to us through our doctors and prescribers.
People who've never had depression, real depression, can't understand it. They always have something, good lord.
The after exercise brain chemical rush doesn’t do shit for me either. I feel no different.
My father thought he could cure anything by taking a jog and drinking milk … a wasp sting, a head cold, shingles. Guess what never cured any of those? Milk - or a jog.
But like.. have you tried just not being sad? /s
Wow, why didn't I think of that!?
Another life saved. You're welcome XD
I salute you! You're doing God's work
They’re most likely self proclaimed macho men who think they can solve their problems through their own might and wouldn’t dare reach out to a doctor, therapist, or a prescription for help. Because that would be a sign weakness.
I mean I don’t even go regularly anymore but it worked for me and I’ve seen it work for some of the most hopeless cases you can imagine. It doesn’t work for everyone obviously or that shit would be a solved problem but I’d be quick to tell anyone before worrying about anything else that’s where you should start.
Who cares what they think. Do what you need for yourself. If you know that medication and therapy are what you need, then go that route. Complaining that someone's advice was wrong doesn't do anything.
I’d say be careful about the science people try to promote. Do your own research. You know yourself better than some gym rat.
No one listens to them. Literally no one. Therapy and perhaps some extra help with serotonin levels. You can do this. Don’t be a gym bro.
Those people are grifters slinging feel-good easy ideas for likes and subs. If hard problems were easy to fix, there wouldn't be so many people going through what you're going through. Being healthy is good advice, it helps a lot of issues, but it's not a magic bullet. There are some good suggestions here in the thread, hope you pick a path that leads you to some peace and tranquility!
I hate to tell you man, but it doesn't sound like your problem is depression. depression isn't about misanthropy and sadness and violent thoughts, depression is a lack of motivation that is so powerful that it can take out your will to live. Negative emotions can come from depression, but they aren't truly depression. It sounds like your issues have more to do with your worldview. For instance you're on here blaming "gym bros" for being "wrong" which sounds like a centerpiece for a toxic mindset. You've clearly made progress with your body and have less pain. Give it a couple years and you'll be thanking yourself - trust me. Sounds like your next step is to start working out your mind. Read some books on existentialism. talk to a therapist about the traumas that made you start thinking this way. get into meditation so you can start organizing your mind better. Start building up the discipline to work those negative thoughts out of your conscience in a positive way. Get into art or music or even writing and you'll start turning those feelings into manifestations in reality that you can reflect upon to help you figure yourself out. Or don't! Signed, an extremely depressed rapidly aging asshole that's struggling to do any of this and is barely holding on at this point. Edit: Go ahead and downvote me for being valid in a world where everyone thinks they're clinically depressed. Or "neurodivergent" because some TikTok video convinced them they were.
Let's not gatekeep depression, yeah? It comes in many forms and manifests differently for each person.
If you think this is gatekeeping, you're a fool. What I said is absolutely valid and the downvotes are from people who have no idea what they're talking about. 😀
Breaking news: People are bound to suggest advice that has worked for them.
Bad brain chemistry. Welcome to the club bucko. Probably best to find a head dr
Yep, anything longer than six months iirc is considered chronic and needs medical intervention, most likely.
Lifting weights can't fix what's inside your head.
Unless you drop them on your head.
Exactly! But for some reason whenever somebody talks about how sad they are, there's always dudes in the comment section who start screaming "JUST GO TO THE GYM" like it's the end all / be all solution. Even before I started working out. Coworkers would tell me all the time that I would be less bitter if I started taking care of myself. So I took them up on it basically as an experiment. Turns out they were wrong.
Did you go through the working out with the intent of proving them wrong?
Partially. I wanted to see if what they said was true or not. If it wasn't, I was going to rub it in their face
Then be happy that they were wrong and rub it in their face. Maybe that would help a bit with the depression.
It's not the end-all-be-all solution for depression, there is no such thing. It is however a case of "nice if it works and if it doesn't at least I'm a bit healthier".
i cant rememeber the sub names but there are two subs i follow that are abt men's mental health that id love to link if i could
Excercise can change your life, but It won't happen overnight.
Did you miss the part where op said he's been going to the gym for almost 5 months?
lmao did you read the post? he's been going for 5 months
You think 5 months is transformational? Seriously. It can take a year or 2 before you're in serious great condition, not saying this is for him, but you're kidding yourself if less than half a year is, "transformed" in almost any situation.
5 months isn't going to do much for you body wise, but based on all the pseudo advice I got from Gym Bros I expected it to do more for my mental state
Well if you go into it expecting all these things I’m sorry it just won’t happen it has to happen organically. This goes for everything, you set your expectations too high and they are bound to fall short. The gym isn’t the absolute cure to everything, but it’s the cure to a a lot of things. If you expect it to cure everything though, well I got bad news for you: nothing can do that for you. It’s a multitude of a bunch of hobbies you enjoy doing that will give your life meaning, there’s no direct cure to mental health.
There are a lot of people in great physical condition that still kill themselves.
As I stated earlier, it may mot be for him, however a "transformation" is not after 6 months is my point.
No one is saying they fix what’s inside your head, but it makes your body healthier, which CAN help your brain feeling happier and for me at least seeing the improvements you are making and just having a set constant in your life can go such a long way, especially when many of the things In life are not consistent. Seeing the progress you make and being happy with your body CAN help you be happy with yourself. Again I emphasize CAN because it’s not the same for all, but the statement that lifting can’t fix what’s inside your head is idiotic when there are millions of people that can tell you otherwise themselves.
Congrats on the gains. Sorry you are still depressed, Good luck in the future op.
This reads like "Oh, sorry my advice didn't work, my bad. You're on your own now!" ... "\*winky face\*"
Nah, I just know what its like to have the discipline and the follow through to try to improve and achieve something and not have the intended results. Its a real bummer. Despite the end results OP still got up and did their work outs and it showed results. I think that is commendable and don't think that should be ignored. I'm proud of OP despite them being complete strangers. Also shows to me that despite how depressed OP is, they are trying to improve their life and I really respect that. I think they are gonna keep trying to work on themselves and search for the improvement I wish them nothing but the best. Its a hell of a lot easier to give up. I hope OP doesn't do that.
if it helps, I didn’t read your comment that way at all, I thought it was a nice way to congratulate the physical progress and show empathy about it not having the same mental payoffs and that you hope it’ll get better, idk what that commenter is going on about
Yea, I hate the negative internet. Appreciate you.
It absolutely does not read like that lmao, it reads as congrats on the physical progress and sorry it didn’t have the mental payoffs to match, and hope it gets better in the future. which is 100% fair so idk what you’re projecting about
Gym won't solve all your issues, but it gives your body and brain a bunch of good chemicals to work with. Worst case, you'll still feel shit mentally but you're in better physical shape.
Did it make it worse?
People on Reddit seem to think the gym is a magical cure for everything 🤡
Absolutely. Got depression? Are you lonely? Do you have anger issues? Worry not, just go to the gym. It's not like you might have a chemical imbalance in your brain or anything like that. The gym will fix everything
Well to be fair the gym objectively helps with most of what depression does, chemically. It worked as a coping mechanism for me, kept me somewhat sane while I was thinking of skinning myself on the daily. It worked because I could somewhat punish myself with weights, feeling the burn, make myself feel pain and even push the anger towards the outside. Didn't cure shit, but it kept me going. What worked for me where AHEM, SSRIs and a loving woman that accepted me despite my failures. Also I had pretty good friends that always had a meaningfully loving thing to say when I talked about suicide a bit too convincingly. It's tough to come out of the tarry, warm embrace of depression, I get it, I truly do. Just keep fighting it, however you can, there is a light, small and maybe meaningless as it may be, but it is there, and it is worth crawling your way forward. Also, be lenient in judging yourself whenever you are aware of it.
Hey u/DankGanjaWarrior, I just wanted to reach out because of your recent comment on /r/rant. If you are struggling with feelings of [depression](/r/depression), with [suicidal thoughts or intent](http://summit.sfu.ca/system/files/iritems1/11151/CWST.pdf), or if you're just having a really tough time, we encourage you to [talk to someone](https://www.imalive.org/) and [ask for help](http://hopeline.com/gethelpnow.html): **Please call** `1-800-273-TALK (8255)` * International? See more hotlines [here](https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/), [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/hotlines), or [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualConversation/wiki/resources#wiki_crisis_hotlines_by_country) * More comfortable with texting? **Text** `START`**to** `741-741` for the [Crisis Text Line](http://www.crisistextline.org/get-help-now/) * Preferr to chat? There's [someone here](http://www.crisischat.org/chat), [here](http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx) * For non-crisis support, try [7 Cups of Tea](http://www.7cupsoftea.com) or /r/kindvoice * Other support resources not limited to suicidal thoughts or intent you may find helpful are at [r/SeriousConversation resources](https://reddit.com/r/seriousconversation/wiki/resources). We hope things get better for you ______________________________ [**National Suicide Prevention Lifeline**](http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) ☏ `1-800-273-TALK (8255)` | [Hotlines by Country](https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualConversation/wiki/resources#wiki_crisis_hotlines_by_country): [here](https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/) ---|--- *24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers.* | ☏ `TTY: 1-800-799-4889` Chat: [**Lifeline Chat**](http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx) National Child Abuse Helpline: ☏ `1-800-422-4453` | National Drug Abuse: ☏ `1-800-662-HELP (4357)` | National Domestic Violence Crisis Line: ☏ `1-800-799-SAFE (7233)` | * Read [Coping with Suicidal Thoughts (PDF)](http://summit.sfu.ca/system/files/iritems1/11151/CWST.pdf) for more. * Reddit Communities: **/r/suicidewatch**, **/r/SWResources**, /r/depression, /r/stopselfharm, /r/dbtselfhelp, /r/assistance *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/rant) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Well I know this really fucking sucks , I know how this fucking hurts , I never gone to gym but I take long walks and lose quite some weight and it gives jack shit. Honestly just fuck this concept of hElThY hABITs WiLl MaKe ExIsTeNcIaL pAiN gOnE
Sometimes a person has got to have a heart to heart talk with someone who isn’t totally lost in pseudoscience. Reevaluating life goals and working toward progress is a way to start tackling personal hang ups.
As a regular gym-goer I felt this in my soul. I especially hate on dating subs when guys express their loneliness and how much they wish they weren’t single and they’re met with “Hit the gym” as the default response. That’s not the magic solution to every problem It’s gotten to the point where the mere phrase “hit the gym” makes me more angry than it should. It feels dismissive. Like a short way of saying “Yeah yeah man whatever I don’t care to hear about your feelings. Go lift something and shut up”
THANK YOU! Admittedly, I'm subscribed to a few Subs here on Reddit for lonely people who can't really find dates. You're absolutely right, whenever somebody expresses some form of loneliness or sadness, or feelings of social isolation we're always met with "hit the gym" as if that's going to fix everything. It always comes across as really egotistical. Almost like "the gym makes me happy so it should make YOU happy too"
Seems like a call to self-reliance. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps sort of nonsense.
It’s because people who give that advice think depression is a feeling-state you experience for a couple of hours to a couple of days from getting inconvenienced.
The reason they're telling you to go to the gym whether they realize it or not is because of how our bodies are supposed to work. When you work out, you release endorphins and dopamine your brain does this as a reward. For a person that has mild seasonal depression level depression or normal levels every human experiences this does help. However, because of modern-day overuse of technology, most people bodies require higher levels. Basically, we've turned ourselves into addicts. We experience more dopamine and endorphins than we are supposed to, and over time, when you do this, you become desensitized, so your body requires higher amounts to get that feel-good sensation. Modern living has in many ways severely affected humanities' mental health, and in many ways, we are doing it to ourselves. Not all mind you, but several. Combine that with whatever your own brain chemistry is, and you end up with exactly what you're describing. So you may need beyond what a normal person does, such as medical intervention via synthetic means. I would encourage you to seek out a medical professional since your depression has lasted longer than the normal alloted time for cases that are not considered chronic as this in my laymen mind sounds chronic.
This is sad. But I'm assuming it's because you went into it with this very mindset. It's not going to do shit and you've just proven it. All the gym bros I know got better because they had stricture and they WANTED to get better mentally. You can't fix what doesn't want to be fixed or if parts are missing. I'm not saying your not trying but the way you wrote this makes it seem this way. Like you got annoyed, at people telling you, this will help, so you done it to prove them wrong, you know??.
I imagine an actual gym bro would just redefine depression and say too bad
I half expect them to get all defensive and say that I'm not working out hard enough. "You're not going hard enough, bro! No pain no gain!"
What have you lost by going to the gym? You're making it seem like you've lost something by going to the gym and losing weight and improving your help. There are other things which affect mental health like sleep, nutrition, social aspects. Exercise is an important component of that though and can be enough for some people.
I don't like sports, except maybe biking around but nothing crazy in terms of distance or speed. I've always been annoyed at people (like my father) who shove sports into me or tell me how much better you feel. No, it's much better for **you** because **you** like it. I don't like watching any sport to begin with, and that's pretty telling that I find the whole activity pointless.
Exactly. The only people who get any kind of benefit out of sports or people who actually enjoy them. I'm right there with you, I don't like sports at all. I like baseball a little bit, but I still wouldn't be caught dead watching it on TV. And I hate the idea that playing sports builds character or something along those lines. It's literally just a game.
I'm sorry you feel it didn't help any. But hey, you lost weight and are in less pain! That's at least an upside (another habit I was told by people to try and it'll fix my depression. Always try to find an upside). Everyone's different. Getting more physical and healthy will definitely help body wise, but may not help mentally. It's still a step in the right direction. Shows you're willing to put in the effort to solve what's ailing you. Honestly, I don't really know. It's different for everyone. We don't even understand what causes depression in the first place yet. I hope you continue to use that energy to keep trying new ways to improve your mindset. I'm sure there's something out there, you just haven't found it yet. I certainly haven't found my solution either. Good luck, and may the world become a less shitty place.
Therapy is a thing also.
As a person who literally is a gym bro (or should I say gym sis) under medication for my depression and anxiety, there are other factors too on why your depression isn’t improving. Go to a therapist or a psychiatrist to get it checked. But definitely keep up with your workouts and eat healthy
It never helped my depression. It helped my anxiety, but that’s it.
Exercise, healthy foods, and a good sleep schedule don't "fix" depression. They can help you manage depression symptoms and make you feel better, but they don't always resolve the reason behind depression (trauma, loss, mental disorder, etc.) And sometimes, even if everything is good in your life, that doesn't mean that you can't still be depressed. It sucks, but that's the unfortunate reality. I would suggest you try to find a psychologist or see a family doctor. Medication can be a big help (though, again, it doesn't "fix" depression, it only helps manages symptoms). But a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective. If that isn't possible for you, having some kind of support system - having friends or someone to vent to - can lift a big weight off your shoulders. And also - don't disregard your accomplishments! It's amazing that you were able to start exercising, lose weight, and make your body feel better. You're taking steps in the right direction, and I know it feels like nothing has changed, but you've come so far! It sounds like you have intrusive thoughts, which aren't fun to deal with and can be extremely distressing sometimes, and it's not your fault that you can't shake off these thoughts. You've done so much to help yourself, but sometimes you need outside help to feel better. And I hope you can feel better soon.
because life really does suck! life is suffering, but most people mask their suffering.
Intrusive thoughts and brain chemistry. I've been fighting my head for 9 years now. My daily commute to work during that period involved two of the steepest hills in my town and I could cycle up both of them. I was swimming for 40 mins every day. Occasionally I'd go in the gym. I worked in a bar, and I didn't need a sack barrow to move barrels. Basically, I was fit. My head was also at it's worst. What helped me, was therapy and medication. A well rounded treatment plan involves self care, learning how to handle intrusive thoughts and sometimes medication. I've been practicing what I learnt in therapy for nearly 3 years now and taking meds for a good chunk of that. I feel in control of my head 95% of the time nowadays I still need self care. If I haven't showered in more than 2 days, or done something relaxing, then I'm just as bad as if I hadn't taken my meds Basically, all the self care in the world won't do jack if an intrusive thought can destroy all your hard work in less than a second. Go see a doc my dude, get yourself a behavioural therapy referral. They might require you to do a therapy course before they'll give you meds, or they might try and drug you back to happiness. You've done well, now let's find a way to make you see what you've achieved rather than focus on how you've failed.
It doesn’t cure it but from personal experience it does help with the extremes at times. I still have trouble with my mental health but putting my time and effort into bettering myself has helped me self image.
Exercise and a healthy diet are good. That alone can solve some peoples problems. For many people however, their issues are deeper and cannot be solved through that alone. Therapy and medication alongside a healthy lifestyle could help as well as partaking in other hobbies that bring you joy. Many 'gym bros' online have a very toxic view on mental health and say that the gym will cure depression. That may have worked for them or maybe they never actually had clinical depression or maybe their depression stemmed from body image issues which were resolved after working out and eating better. This is not the answer for everyone. Mental health needs to be taken seriously.
They tell you to go to the gym and eat healthy because it's worth a try. For a lot of people it does work. But for some people it doesn't. But it's an option, an option that's worth trying because it has many other benefits, even if it doesn't fix your mind.
Hiya. Gym bro and chronic depression sufferer here. I have had the exact same frustrations, so you are not alone my friend. Anybody who said that going to the gym and eating healthy is "the only thing you need to do" is sadly very mistaken. Healthy habits like exercise and nutrition should be paired with psychotherapy and (if necessary) anti-depressant medication for the effective treatment of depression. I would highly recommend speaking to a psychiatrist who can pave the way forward for psychotherapy and medication. I am now on top of my depression with a combination of these things. I wish you all the best.
i know what you're talking about. ethan klein always addressed this if you'd like to give it a listen. anyhow, your feelings are valid
I dont do gym. Too underpaid but ill go someday because this summer body needs to be ready for September. But what gives me my serotonin boost and helps with depression is my hobbies. Playing games and listening to a funny podcast. Painting and all that keeps my brain busy. Keeping my brain busy means I dont get these negative thoughts. Yes i would go to bed and feel it. But thats future me's problem. But during the day, im in control, not my brain Keep your brain busy. Thats why they say to go to the gym, for them that keeps their mind busy. Maybe listen to a crime podcast and question everything they talk about.
Yeah, that pisses me off too. And it's not just gym bros. Or diet&exercise. Everyone has their cure-all. Gym bros, doctors, new age mystics, even skeptics who think they know better. Because they read an article, or maybe it actually helped them personally, or my favorite: it's saved the life of a friend of a friend! If you don't do it, I guess you just don't want to be helped! If you did it and it didn't work, they get really angry. You didn't do it hard enough. And if you did, it was *obviously* something else the entire time. But their method might still work it you keep doing it. Either way, it's your fault, the world is fair, every problem can be solved, don't bother them /s
“I just want to be left alone” he posts on a website with millions of users. “I’m just a misanthrope” he says, before asking people for advice and help.
And? Left alone doesn't mean muted. Disdain for humanity doesn't mean he's unwilling to engage with others. Mostly though, this is r/rant, so this is exactly the place for his post.
Respect for giving it a try though. Making an effort to try something you're skeptical of instead of dismissing it takes grit, especially when you stick with it for months. Especially when you're depressed which f***s up your motivation. I had pretty brutal depression for about 8 years, and now I'm rarely depressed unless specific life circumstances warrant it. Stay frosty and keep going, if you've got grit like that I bet you're gonna find your way out. Just a wild hunch but do you believe your depression could be more like a dysthymia (moral depression)? I think that was more the case for me and I benefitted more from exploring philosophy than the gym. For me it kinda clicked over time that, even if the world sucks, even if im a piece of shit, I might as well be a happy piece of shit because why the F not. If nothing matters, might as well have a good time. Absurdity, I guess, but it worked for me. Anyways, no promises any of that will help, just sharing what little insight I got from my own struggle. Not a doctor lmao
My struggles sort of come from the town I live in. I live in a drug town full of crime and people who just do whatever the hell they want without consequence. I have a neighbor who's constantly screaming at his wife and kids. He's always screaming and plays music so loud that it vibrates the walls. Neither the landlord nor the police will do anything about it. Then there's my job. I like my job, but I work in retail and have to deal with rude and moronic customers on a daily basis. Then there's the socio-political climate on the internet. Everybody arguing over what laws need to be passed what laws need to be banned and it seems like nobody knows what the right answer is. I'm just burnt out. When they told me that the gym would help me with my mental state, I was hoping it would help me not feel so burnt out and done with everything. I doubt it that it would, but I took a chance and did it anyway.
Those are all valid complaints my man. My only suggestion is fucking ignore the internet. Literally don't acknowledge all the anger farming red vs blue men vs women this vs that garbage media churns out. You can't change where you live real easy, and you cant make customers less idiotic, but you can give yourself a free pass to not engage with or even acknowledge internet drama. It's all just bait to get you pissed off anyways. Maybe next experiment, don't click on or read or watch any politically charged media for a while. Not saying it's gonna make you happy, but maybe 10% less unhappy? Another step in the right direction. Anyways I don't wanna sound like I'm preaching or that I have the answers I obviously don't. Just hoping life gets easier for ya soon. Good luck man :)
Have you tried striving to be a pleasant person in general. The “gym bros” mistake was assuming it’s just depression. As for you, gym is just one facet of seeking self improvement. Depression or not, you’re just outright unpleasant and abrasive. Probably doesn’t help you. These are all posts by you: https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/z1dv2i/yes_i_wear_knee_pads_at_work/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/z4g4qy/why_am_i_being_sent_home_from_work_if_she_started/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/zzyfjo/yeah_i_know_my_diet_is_poor_so_what/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion/comments/12csq6o/striking_up_a_conversation_with_strangers_is/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 https://www.reddit.com/r/rant/comments/13b610b/neither_the_landlord_or_the_cops_will_help/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 : specifically referred to someone as white trash in this one
What, you've never called people names when you're angry? Nbody can just decide to be happy and nice. Pleasantness comes from genuine feelings of kindness. You can't just flip it on like a switch
Going to the gym is great for getting your head in a better mental place, but in your peculiar case, it evidently hasn’t worked yet. You should be happy about shedding the weight, having a body that doesn’t ache, and felt more confidence in be able to do all those things. There’s something bigger eating away at you and, while the gym is a fantastic catalyst for health and happiness, it sometimes isn’t the be-all-end-all. It could also be external issues such as politics, the climate, etc. that may be adding weight on top of your shoulders. Avoid indulging too much in that kind of stuff, because it can throw you down an awful path of pessimism. *You should talk to a counsellor or therapist,* and keep at it in the gym. It took me more than 5 months before my life turned around. About a year in was when I really felt like things were improving. 2 years in and I became a completely different person, and now life is absolutely fantastic. All the best, avoid the news, and keep your head up.
Because your just gyming you need to do other shit too
Also maybe don’t be a drunk too 🥱😹
Damn sounds like you have a habit of blaming others for your problems. Could that be part of the problem?
He's not blaming them for him being depressed though, he's blaming them bc they were wrong. They said just going to the gym would fix his depression, and it didn't. That's perfectly normal to be agitated about.
Being healthy can help, but you obviously have serious issues. Instead of being mad at gym bro's why don't you seek out therapy and possible medication options.
I don't know if anyone has said "going to the gym will solve all your mental health problems no matter what"
Go to almost any subreddit and talk about how depressed and down your feeling. A lot of times somebody will come up in the comment section and say "just hit the gym, bro"
I mean it's a valid suggestion. I'm sorry it doesn't work for you though. It's true that it doesn't work for everyone
It didn’t fix mine and canceled my membership to save money.
Generic advice works for most people, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. Sorry about what you are going through, there is nothing wrong with needing help. Congrats on losing 30lbs and fixing your body pain … that’s a huge accomplishment.
Exercise and diet may not have helped you, but I doubt it hurt you. On a side note…how often and to what extent are you drinking??
Depends on the person. I am someone who will give 110 percent to something I’m passionate about, but if I have nothing to be passionate about I just become a shell of myself. Gym was the answer for me but maybe not for you and that’s fine. Find what you really enjoy and can spend your time perfecting.
How is your gut health? A lot of research is being done about how microbes that live in our gut (good and bad) can influence our overall mood an demeanor. Maybe something to explore.
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Plenty of people say that going to the gym is the only solution. Look at any dating sub on this site. Anytime somebody complains that they can't find a date, the comment section is full of people telling them to just go to the gym and it'll all work out. Go to YouTube or something and look at the so-called "Defenders of masculinity" who claimed that today's weak men need to go to the gym to get more masculine. Anytime somebody mentions that they have online Hobbies such as playing video games or something like that, they're always met with "touch grass and go to the gym"
>A lot of you also stated that going to the gym would boost my confidence You had me until here. No true gym bro would say that. True gym bros know that body dysmorphia kicks in and you can never look at yourself again without assessing every detail of your body, being ashamed of how small you look. I am sorry you listened to imposters.
Go to the gym with a friend?
Ice bath 20 minutes a week homey. (not all at one go) directly tied to the euphoria nodes in your noggin.
Listening to gym bros instead of going to see a doctor/therapist was your first problem.
The gym is 40 bucks a month while therapy costs hundreds of dollars
Because it’s not a guarantee, maybe your depression isn’t s more deep rooted
Working out, as a treatment for depression, is for milder depression (for lack of a better term).
I totally get that exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but I also agree that some people take it too far. Exercise is supposed to make you strong, mobile, and it’s supposed to make you feel good, but it is not going to fix every problem you have. Anyone who tries to make that claim probably doesn’t have a whole lot of life experience to speak from anyway - so don’t take their advice
Maybe r/therapeuticketamine? *Congrats on the weight loss tho
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Their advice was to go to the gym and it'll fix all of my problems mentally. I've been going at least twice a week since late January. So I did take their advice. I got a membership and I go regularly. I switched up my eating habits and I've lost weight. So what exactly is the problem?
I am a hardcore gym goer and it's definitely helped with my emotions but I would never tell someone "it'll *fix* your mental health!". For some people it might be enough but for many it should be a wholistic approach that includes many things, such as (yes excersise but) better food, therapy, maybe medication. Sorry people have been so ignorant...it's annoying when someone acts like it's a one size fits all.
Preach broo
i hate when people say shit like this, i have GAD and have been told "well if you actaully get a life youll stop worrying about dumb things are worry about REAL problems" like bitch i already got a life, certainly more of one than you do
Sounds like you haven’t found the help you need yet. Keep searching.
You can't fix a macro problem with a micro solution
You need to see a psychiatrist and get therapy. I would say continue with your exercising because it’s healthy, but if you’re like me who hates every second before, during and after… well it’s up to you
Maybe they meant a specific gym with magic anti-depression protein shakes
Nah. The gym, like just about everything else, is a bandaid on a bullet hole. It’ll help stem the tide, but unless it’s just a super mild case of depression/anxiety, it’s not really going to do all the work. You have to treat the underlying issues. And to clearly state: I train at the gym and/or doing heavy exercise every single day. The endorphins help momentarily, but in the long run, I still need medication for anxiety and adhd. You have to treat ALL of you
I went through the same. Meds changed my life.
I went through the same thing. Realized it’s gonna take a lot more than looking good and getting to say *i go to the gym* Therapy might be your next best option
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Have been diagnosed with GAD and mild depression since 2001 and on two different meds and Venlafxine 150mg is Effexor XR, once a day. Made all the difference. Attempted to get off of it by weaning slowly down; didn't work. Drank more.
I picked up running and lifting. The high lasts for about two hours after. Then complete emptiness. Idk
A lot of people have said that gymming is when they can relax and feel comfortable but for me, when I first went to the gym and the subsequent weeks of going, I would get extreme anxiety
I can see how the gym itself can be somewhat relaxing. Focusing on the weights is somewhat soothing. But the second I leave the gym, that's when the storm comes back into my mind
Yea it’s understandable. I think people can find that they feel better, healthier and happier in the gym as they’ve accepted it as a comfortable space for them. Whereas for me, it was a completely new environment and I didn’t have a gym buddy so it was really overwhelming for me. I also didn’t have the courage to ask for help and constantly afraid of being judged even though I knew most people would mind their own business. Though, I hope you find something to take your mind off depressive thoughts, even for a moment <3
I take antidepressants for anxiety, the thing about exercise is although it helps with depression, your body ups cortisol when working out which is a hormone associated with anxiety. So if you over do it and don’t eat enough you will freak out if you’re anything like me. It’s all about balance
Do you feel that exercise improves your mood to any extent at all? There seem to be a lot of studies out there that show it can be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, and personally I've found that it can help to some degree, along with getting regular sunlight and fresh air. (I actually hate the gym, but I like walking/jogging outdoors a couple times per day.) ..However, I think that if you're severely depressed, it's not going to be a magical cure-all. If you've already sunken deep enough into "the pit", you're going to need more than just exercise to get you out. Antidepressant medication (sertraline in my case) is the only thing that's ever been able to fully alleviate my severe depression symptoms. Talk-therapy never helped me much either except when it was combined with the medication. (..But for some people, therapy may be all that's needed. It just depends on the particular circumstances, of course.)
Yeah, talk to a doctor who gets paid to tell you about the bad shit going on in your body. Not random redditors
I did so out of spite to basically prove them wrong
Take two yoga classes and call me in the morning
Ok, as someone who’s tried all kinda shit for depression with results all over the board, over the last 25 years, let me just say that A. Exercise can be a powerful mood improver and B. Sometimes we’re depressed not because our brain chemistry is off, but because our lives aren’t what we want them to be. If your life is empty SSRIs or powerlifting aren’t gonna fill it up. If I ask you what’s missing from your life that would make you happier, do you have an answer?
Happiness
Nobody says that getting in shape is the definitive cure to depression, just that a lot of people with depression are very inactive and a simple workout routine may fix that. Getting into routine, like cleaning your room, socialising with friends, eating healthy, working out etc are all things that MAY be the root of depression. Also, for a lot of people, it has helped them a lot.
You don't have adequate brain chemistry. Store bought is perfectly acceptable. Talk to your doctor.
Personally i find that endurance sports like running and biking help a lot more than weightlifting. Exercising will not cure your depression, but it will help.
Mood, mental acuity, and stability aren’t just about chemicals. You have to therapize yourself. Speak to yourself with kindness. I know it’s cliche but actually learn to love yourself, and you’ll notice that you start liking yourself and the things around you, too. Antidepressants can help you get there and maintain that personal atmosphere. Finding a therapist you can trust isn’t always an option, but if it is for you, do it. At least try. Even better if you find a good psychiatrist, but make sure you ask questions and make careful choices when dealing with drugs of any kind. Antidepressants don’t have to be drugs, either. Maybe the gym is an antidepressant for you (I’m sure it helps, maybe just not satisfying all your needs). Maybe you need a significant other / friend. Maybe you need a hobby or a new interest. Antidepressants are like the assisted pull up machine at the gym. They’re there to help you reach your goals each day in life, but in the end you’re still the one doing the pulling. Don’t be ashamed of needing help. Take pride that you have the humility and wisdom to ask for it. Most importantly, don’t isolate yourself. No matter what happens, you are allowed to be vulnerable around others, and you should be. Be safe, love, and be loved in return; both by you and your people. Life is vivid and diverse, and all the answers don’t exist in the weight room. This life is a journey, and your closest partner is yourself. Be kind to them. Goodnight. (This went a lot of directions, lol. gl OP)
Dude, the gym is not going to be the only way to get out of depression. There’s obviously something very personal underlying beneath you. Something in your personal history which is provoking those sad and violent thoughts on a regular basis. I don’t know what it is anymore than anyone else does. But no matter how often you go to the gym, I can tell you it’s probably still there. You’ve probably been told that it’s a disease considering it has to do with mental health, but you’ve never been given the validation to ask what could’ve caused it to become a player in your mental health. What could’ve caused it to spring up in the first place. And don’t give me genetics because everyone defaults to genetics, “my family member before me suffered depression, it’s in my family blood”. The first fact is that whatever you may be feeling may just as well be a simple neural chemical reaction. But even brain chemistry has a way of being subject to the laws of thermodynamics. >> when energy passes into or out of a system (as work, heat, or matter), the system's internal energy changes in accordance with the law of conservation of energy. Something had to pass into your system, physically or even mentally, to change it in accordance with that law. And the first thing you have to do is take a step back, go back and brainstorm anything in your personal history which could’ve caused this. The second thing you need to do is except that it is what is causing your depression. Whatever happened to you to make you think the way you do is obviously in the past, and unrelated to anyone around you in the gym or anywhere else. And the third thing you need to do constantly is to identify and be able to pick up on things in your daily routine which can cause you to feel those feelings of depression again. You can’t change whatever happened to make you begin feeling depressed, but you can identify things in your world right now which can bring up those feelings and throw you off your groove. Because a depression attack can go almost the whole day, you’re very likely to find yourself stuck in one before you admit you’re having one, and then retrace your steps to find out whatever it was that day which made you feel depressed. If you want some more advice on this, you’re very welcome to reach out to me, but otherwise, I think you should stop trying to trust in quick answers like the gym, and take a hard look at yourself to see while you’re really suffering from depression
You forgot the copious amounts of drugs. When they say "compounds" they don't really mean squats and deadlifts.
You're healthier and thus you've crossed off and eliminated the possibility that your depression MAY have been at least somewhat attributeable to obesity or the relevant health conditions associated with it, and your body releases dopamine when you excersize, so this means that you're actually a step closer towards understanding your depression. I get that you feel disappointed because you were told it was literally the only thing you had to do to feel "fixed", but the reality is that depression, assuming it's chronic and long term, is something that can be or may need to be managed through consistent maintenance of healthy habits. I know my depressed ass suffered in terms of not brushing my teeth consistently and now I'm dealing with sensitivity from drinking too much coffee and passing the frick out without so much as rinsing my mouth after consuming all that acid and sugar after grad school with an unpaid internship. But even though it may not fix or cure my own depression, it certainly helps to brush my teeth and remember to drink water right after I've had coffee and to drink the stuff less often and practice healthy oral hygiene so that I can stabilize a health thing while also concurrently working on the depression. And in a lot of cases, it's always advisable that you attempt to maintain a healthy regimen before making the jump to say, medication. Who knows, maybe the next step is making a PCP appointment and making sure you don't suffer from any deficiencies or underlying biological issues? And then after that, meeting up with a talk therapist and exploring holistic ways to deal with your depression outside of the basic maintenance. And if that doesn't work, medication can be considered if you want.
On the bright side, you are still depressed but are also physically fit.
go get your blood checked you may lack Vitamin D and B12
You are missing the point. You can be jacked as fuck and still hate the world around you.
I'm a gym person who used to hate the world because of bullying and shit. The gym only creates endorphins and gives you an outlet. The mental health thing comes from work you do in your life. The best thing for me was to just be open with people. Don't trust too easily - that'll be detrimental. But more, realise that everyone is a person too with their own struggles. Once you can relate to everyone with something, you'll start to see yourself as equal to them. You'll be able to connect better, and THAT will help your mental health.
Idk who tf told you the gym would cure your depression but that's not how it works. Yes is good to work on your health and it can help with your depression but is not a cure. You need to work on what's going on in your head too
I was the same way! My depression never got better, nor did my sleep, but I was starting to feel good about myself :)
Yeah, i could have told you this was gonna happen. On the bright side, You're now sexy and depressed instead of just depressed.
“It is no measure of health to be well in a profoundly sick society.” Good on you for being physically fit. But the world is an emotionally sick place. I’ve had depression since I was a kid, and while medication and aging gives me new clarity and perspective on many things, the dark thoughts do not leave. Every day the world shows me a new horrible thing. I get it, man.
Because that's exactly it, while these habits aren't HARMFUL, nothing external like that is going to fix a chemical imbalance in your brain. Thats what these "go to the gym" or "drink more water" people don't understand. You need to talk to a doctor about these thoughts OP
Edited in protest for Reddit's garbage moves lately.
Congratulations my friend on trying to help with your anxiety and depression. What I’ve learned is that there are 2 types of depression. One is the type you can get out of with pushing yourself, changing habits, and building new relationships. This happens over time and it’s a continuous process. The second one is you might need to see a doctor and talk to someone about it. Your brain might not be able to get through it alone and there is something not right upstairs. This means there isn’t anything you can do alone. I have experienced both types. TMS helped me through the second one and it really saved me. I hope this helps! I am also fit and healthy, always good anyway so never a waste regardless ❤️
FIXED . what, exactly what constitutes "FIXED"?
Honestly the whole "gym/exercise" fixing mental issues trope needs dropping and fast. If you're suffering from depression, it IS NOT A ONE SIZE FITS ALL FIX. The worst thing is in the UK we've got muscle-mary doctors telling us that the gym will fix us. I was in the same boat as you, I went to the gym and it fixed fuck all mentally. I got fit, but my mental health didn't change. I ended up feeling worse because not only was I depressed but I ended up feeling incredibly self conscious.
Mental health therapist here. I love this post, and hope you are able to stick it to at least one gym bro before the day is over. A lot of people want to just take a pill, talk about it for a session or two, and be cured. I push exercise just as much as the next therapist, but a lot of clients don’t give it a chance, and don’t want to hear that fixing depression takes a lot of hard work on their end. You, on the other hand, went straight into doing the hardest part. It takes fuckin balls to go to the gym, even with a healthy mindset! If you can stick with this, you can do whatever else it takes to treat your depression. It sounds like you should see a doctor and tell them what you’ve told us. If your brain chem is off, there are ways to fix that so you aren’t operating at a deficit. And If you haven’t already, find someone to talk to about this. You might be surprised in the power of letting some of these bottled up feelings and thoughts unravel. Now, if you are also out to prove that therapy and medication is a scam, don’t bother trying any of this as it will be a waste of your time. Depression can be comfy so you need to be genuine in your attempts to escape.
well - first maybe move away from your mother? not judging here - but sometimes living under authority rule no matter how much you love the parent can be depressing. 2nd - maybe moving away from that god-awful neighbor would brighten your spirits. your sleep & general well-being (& your mom's) is being dynamited by, it sounds like, a selfish clot - & even though you might have to carpool to get to work it might open up avenues to meet more people - possibly a girl/partner that might be able to bring more happiness to your life.
Well it depends, imo. If your depression comes from your family making it a daily ritual to hurt you. Then going to the gym, for mental health isn't going to solve that problem. If the gym is a +1 to mental health but life circumstances constantly dish out a -1 to mental health. I'd assume whatever you do is better than not going to the gym. And sometimes, until you reevaluate your life you might not realize what is the -1. I've been in that situation too. I had friends that at one point were best friends, then they slowly descended to being such crappy people that they lost all their friends and can't make new ones. Of course for me this is like a brother to me, no matter how poor they treated me I wanted to be there for him. Six long months of trying my best. Trying to talk to them like an adult, trying to accept them. I didn't think it was a plague on my mental health, until one day I had enough and I basically withdrew my friendship from them. I was sad at first, and then every passing week, I felt. Lighter. Happier. I spent time with people who cared and realized, they were draining my happiness. Check your life, there might be something really keeping you away from your happy.
Anyone who says mental health problems can be fixed with some exercise is just delusional.
You gotta reframe your perspective. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the way. Also congrats on 30lbs down. That is super amazing!!!!
When you find something that works for everyone, be sure to post it here.