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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by William Leatherwood on April 22, 1999, at 13:14:27
I noticed the numerous discussions on depression, medication,etc. and became curious if many of you have taken the initiative to thoroughly analyze your level of fitness? Or your nutrition? I have had the opportunity to assist many people with the treatment of depression and anxiety with strategic exercise and nutrition. Perhaps committing to a comprehensive training program could not only add quality years to your life, but save you alot of money on medication.
As a wellness consultant / personal trainer, I have personally experienced the struggles with depression, as well as the frustration of researching the "perfect" medication. Unfortunately, there arent any medications that are free of side effects, or perfect. I understand that these drugs have thier purpose and to many of you they may be a blessing. However, I have'nt found an antidepressant in this country or abroad that makes me feel any better than
quality nutrition, rest, and intense exercise.
I suggest joining a fitness center near work or home, hiring a trainer with credentials that will make you exercise at the correct intensity and maintain commitment. Thanks for reading, just trying to help.
Bill
Posted by Cindy on April 22, 1999, at 16:21:20
In reply to Exercise and Depression, posted by William Leatherwood on April 22, 1999, at 13:14:27
> I noticed the numerous discussions on depression, medication,etc. and became curious if many of you have taken the initiative to thoroughly analyze your level of fitness? Or your nutrition? I have had the opportunity to assist many people with the treatment of depression and anxiety with strategic exercise and nutrition. Perhaps committing to a comprehensive training program could not only add quality years to your life, but save you alot of money on medication.
>
> As a wellness consultant / personal trainer, I have personally experienced the struggles with depression, as well as the frustration of researching the "perfect" medication. Unfortunately, there arent any medications that are free of side effects, or perfect. I understand that these drugs have thier purpose and to many of you they may be a blessing. However, I have'nt found an antidepressant in this country or abroad that makes me feel any better than
> quality nutrition, rest, and intense exercise.
> I suggest joining a fitness center near work or home, hiring a trainer with credentials that will make you exercise at the correct intensity and maintain commitment. Thanks for reading, just trying to help.
> BillThis is like telling someone with influenza, 105 temp., vomiting, and the runs to just join the spa and all will be fine. I am an avid jogger and work with weights, but when I do not take my meds, I can kiss the exercise routine goodbye. Exercise helps but it is not the answer. If it was, we would be flooding the gyms, trust me.
Posted by Phil on April 22, 1999, at 19:25:14
In reply to Re: Exercise and Depression, posted by Cindy on April 22, 1999, at 16:21:20
> > I noticed the numerous discussions on depression, medication,etc. and became curious if many of you have taken the initiative to thoroughly analyze your level of fitness? Or your nutrition? I have had the opportunity to assist many people with the treatment of depression and anxiety with strategic exercise and nutrition. Perhaps committing to a comprehensive training program could not only add quality years to your life, but save you alot of money on medication.
> >
> > As a wellness consultant / personal trainer, I have personally experienced the struggles with depression, as well as the frustration of researching the "perfect" medication. Unfortunately, there arent any medications that are free of side effects, or perfect. I understand that these drugs have thier purpose and to many of you they may be a blessing. However, I have'nt found an antidepressant in this country or abroad that makes me feel any better than
> > quality nutrition, rest, and intense exercise.
> > I suggest joining a fitness center near work or home, hiring a trainer with credentials that will make you exercise at the correct intensity and maintain commitment. Thanks for reading, just trying to help.
> > Bill
>
> This is like telling someone with influenza, 105 temp., vomiting, and the runs to just join the spa and all will be fine. I am an avid jogger and work with weights, but when I do not take my meds, I can kiss the exercise routine goodbye. Exercise helps but it is not the answer. If it was, we would be flooding the gyms, trust me.>>I used to run quite a bit and I'm also a drummer. I wasn't on meds the second time I embraced running. It seemed that everyday I went out I was angrier and sadder. I was trying to do as much right in my life as possible but was going into a real deep funk. I read several holistic docs that say all you need are tons of vitamins, a good diet and a bunch of exercise and St johns Wort. I'm pleased William got results but I am afraid he's the exception. I wouldn't screw with meds unless I had to...and I have to.
-Phil
ps-Why do people taking AD's always have to explain why? I'm sure, William, that you won't leave this site to go tell diabetics only to exercise.
Posted by paul on April 23, 1999, at 9:50:04
In reply to Re: Exercise and Depression, posted by Mare on April 23, 1999, at 8:23:15
I think William has a good point, and exercise probably does factor into mood, but following this line of reasoning would mean no one who is physically fit suffers from depression and that everyone who suffers from depression has a deficient diet or poor exercise habits. But what about people who obsess about health and have no social life or other rewarding experiences? What about people who are jolly and full of life yet who are also weak, overweight, and perhaps even drink and smoke?
I think exercise can only help one's overall regemen towards physical and mental health, but mental health is not simply a function of one's physical health, or we would have figured it all out a long time ago. My diet includes, along with food, a Zoloft pill, and I have no problem with that.
By the way, all due respect to your intentions. I don't want you to feel like you've just been slammed by everyone.
Posted by saintjames on April 23, 1999, at 12:17:32
In reply to Re: Exercise and Depression, posted by paul on April 23, 1999, at 9:50:04
> I think William has a good point, and exercise probably does factor into mood, but following this line of reasoning would mean no one who is physically fit suffers from depression
James here....
Once again a well meaning normie has ventured an opinion ! hehe i really think most have no clue to what depression really is because normies don't really get depresed, they feel down or the blues. Countless well meaning people have told me I should just stop taking those pills and I have learned to cut to the chase...it goes something like this....
"You know what happens when I don't take my AD pills ? I have constant thoughts of killing myself, which have yet to progress to a solid plan because if I ever come up with a plan I'll kill myself, so if I follow your advice and kill myself you will have to live with your guilt for the rest of you life... so I just take the pills so you and I can have happy lives."
This is very effective
I think we need to go ez on these well meaning souls because the have not a clue and at the same time let these people know they are out of their realm of experiences.
j
Posted by Sean on April 23, 1999, at 15:05:52
In reply to Exercise and Depression, posted by William Leatherwood on April 22, 1999, at 13:14:27
> I noticed the numerous discussions on depression, medication,etc. and became curious if many of you have taken the initiative to thoroughly analyze your level of fitness? Or your nutrition? I have had the opportunity to assist many people with the treatment of depression and anxiety with strategic exercise and nutrition. Perhaps committing to a comprehensive training program could not only add quality years to your life, but save you alot of money on medication.
>
> As a wellness consultant / personal trainer, I have personally experienced the struggles with depression, as well as the frustration of researching the "perfect" medication. Unfortunately, there arent any medications that are free of side effects, or perfect. I understand that these drugs have thier purpose and to many of you they may be a blessing. However, I have'nt found an antidepressant in this country or abroad that makes me feel any better than
> quality nutrition, rest, and intense exercise.
> I suggest joining a fitness center near work or home, hiring a trainer with credentials that will make you exercise at the correct intensity and maintain commitment. Thanks for reading, just trying to help.
> Bill
It is all a matter of severity is it not? For some
people, excercise and diet may be enough, but I
think these folks would be on the very mild side
of the spectrum. Often an AD will give a person
the weel being to begin exercising and thus start
a virtuous cycle.Has anybody noticed how SSRI's make you not give
a shit about health? I did not have this reaction
with TCA's.At a minimum, an exercise routine can help break
up rumination, help with sleep, and that pesky
AD-related weight gain. For those who can do it,
it should be an important part of therapy...
Posted by Jen on April 23, 1999, at 21:04:55
In reply to Re: Exercise and Depression, posted by saintjames on April 23, 1999, at 12:17:32
I run. I have run two marathons, about a dozen half marathons and races of many distances. When I am training for a marathon I run 40 miles a week. So, I think I could say I exercise. Guess what? The despair, the inability to sleep, the feeling of sinking into quicksand, of being in this deep dark place that I couldn't get out of - it was there. I did usually feel slightly better immediately after a run, but this by no means conquered the problem. Serzone helps as does my therapy. It is true that when I'm training for a marathon it's not as bad. The natural endorphins I suppose. But therapy and medication do for me what exercise doesn't. I don't think you understand that what we're talking about here is a little more than feeling blah. But thank you for trying to help. For those of you wondering how I do this when depressed, I just force myself.
Posted by Elizabeth on April 23, 1999, at 22:14:51
In reply to Exercise and Depression, posted by William Leatherwood on April 22, 1999, at 13:14:27
Bill, you do bring up an interesting point. Here's my take on it.
I'm moderately active and eat moderately well - not super-healthy or super-fit, but reasonable for a person my age (f, 23). Being active, taking long walks, eating healthy meals, etc. helps me to feel good about myself.
However, when I become depressed, I lose the will to do this sort of thing. I feel fatigued rather than energetic, and food (even junk food :-) no longer has much appeal. This probably makes the depression even worse, and I do try to eat anyway and get out when I am able. But it's *very* difficult, because I'm doing it not out of a conviction that it will make me feel better (it doesn't), but because I'm supposed to (thus sayeth my doctor)).
Another issue for me is the side effects of antidepressants. I have chronic, refractory insomnia (perhaps resulting from repeated episodes of major depression in which my sleep became disturbed, and also exacerbated by poorly controlled chronic pain), and the antidepressant that seems to be best suited for me has the side effect of exacerbating this. It also tends to decrease my appetite, so I keep losing weight rather than regaining what I've lost. However, I am more energetic and more up to exercising, always a plus - as I said above, taking long walks gives me a nice feeling, and things like swimming can be very relaxing.
So in short, antidepressants do improve my mood *when I'm depressed*, while taking care of my health gives me pleasant feelings when my depression is remitted or controlled.
Posted by nancy on April 26, 1999, at 19:03:50
In reply to Exercise and Depression, posted by William Leatherwood on April 22, 1999, at 13:14:27
ha ha haha
> I noticed the numerous discussions on depression, medication,etc. and became curious if many of you have taken the initiative to thoroughly analyze your level of fitness? Or your nutrition? I have had the opportunity to assist many people with the treatment of depression and anxiety with strategic exercise and nutrition. Perhaps committing to a comprehensive training program could not only add quality years to your life, but save you alot of money on medication.
>
> As a wellness consultant / personal trainer, I have personally experienced the struggles with depression, as well as the frustration of researching the "perfect" medication. Unfortunately, there arent any medications that are free of side effects, or perfect. I understand that these drugs have thier purpose and to many of you they may be a blessing. However, I have'nt found an antidepressant in this country or abroad that makes me feel any better than
> quality nutrition, rest, and intense exercise.
> I suggest joining a fitness center near work or home, hiring a trainer with credentials that will make you exercise at the correct intensity and maintain commitment. Thanks for reading, just trying to help.
> Bill
Posted by nancy on April 26, 1999, at 19:17:35
In reply to Re: Exercise and Depression, posted by Sean on April 23, 1999, at 15:05:52
> > I noticed the numerous discussions on depression, medication,etc. and became curious if many of you have taken the initiative to thoroughly analyze your level of fitness? Or your nutrition? I have had the opportunity to assist many people with the treatment of depression and anxiety with strategic exercise and nutrition. Perhaps committing to a comprehensive training program could not only add quality years to your life, but save you alot of money on medication.
> >
> > As a wellness consultant / personal trainer, I have personally experienced the struggles with depression, as well as the frustration of researching the "perfect" medication. Unfortunately, there arent any medications that are free of side effects, or perfect. I understand that these drugs have thier purpose and to many of you they may be a blessing. However, I have'nt found an antidepressant in this country or abroad that makes me feel any better than
> > quality nutrition, rest, and intense exercise.
> > I suggest joining a fitness center near work or home, hiring a trainer with credentials that will make you exercise at the correct intensity and maintain commitment. Thanks for reading, just trying to help.
> > Bill
>
>
> It is all a matter of severity is it not? For some
> people, excercise and diet may be enough, but I
> think these folks would be on the very mild side
> of the spectrum. Often an AD will give a person
> the weel being to begin exercising and thus start
> a virtuous cycle.
>
> Has anybody noticed how SSRI's make you not give
> a shit about health? I did not have this reaction
> with TCA's.
>
> At a minimum, an exercise routine can help break
> up rumination, help with sleep, and that pesky
> AD-related weight gain. For those who can do it,
> it should be an important part of therapy...No. I take 300 mg Effexor XR (just ONE of my bipolar meds) on a daily basis AND bicycle 15 miles a day! I guess I'd be considered to give much more than a "shit" about my physical condition.
BTW, during a disabling bipolar depression, you can forget the exercise...you're lucky to be able to simply lift an arm off the sheets! :) N
Posted by nancy on April 26, 1999, at 19:21:12
In reply to Re: Exercise and Depression, posted by Jen on April 23, 1999, at 21:04:55
> I run. I have run two marathons, about a dozen half marathons and races of many distances. When I am training for a marathon I run 40 miles a week. So, I think I could say I exercise. Guess what? The despair, the inability to sleep, the feeling of sinking into quicksand, of being in this deep dark place that I couldn't get out of - it was there. I did usually feel slightly better immediately after a run, but this by no means conquered the problem. Serzone helps as does my therapy. It is true that when I'm training for a marathon it's not as bad. The natural endorphins I suppose. But therapy and medication do for me what exercise doesn't. I don't think you understand that what we're talking about here is a little more than feeling blah. But thank you for trying to help.
**For those of you wondering how I do this when depressed, I just force myself.**
ha ha ha...now, that's REALLY funny...and what do we do when we're suicidal...put on a happy face???? ha ha ha
This is the end of the thread.
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