Posted by SLS on January 24, 2005, at 17:17:48
In reply to Excercise Backfire., posted by Bob on January 24, 2005, at 12:13:41
> Why is it that everyone says exercise is good for depression and anxiety, but whenever I try to do something physical, the next day I have a 'reaction' and feel worse than ever. Yesterday I forced myself to take a walk - a rare occurrence indeed - and today I feel angry and unhappy. I also didn't sleep well last night, which seem paradoxical. I almost never have any physical energy or motivation to do exercise, but even the slightest bit, and there's hell to pay.
A clinical investigator once told me that intense exercise can deplete the brain of catecholamine neurotransmitters. I think he was referring to weight training and other anaerobic exercise. While walking isn't usually thought of as being intense, perhaps it is for your system at this time. You might be severely deconditioned from lack of physical activity. You can try walking very, very short distances to see how it affects you. You are not alone in your negative reaction to exercise. I do not consider exercise to be a panacea for depression. However, it is certainly in your best interests to regain as much physical conditioning as your illness will allow. Some exercise is better than none. However, no exercise is certainly understandable with these illnesses. I haven't exercised in many years. Walking it the best start, though. In many cases, it is sufficient.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:446790
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050124/msgs/446963.html