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People may be dismissive of this but this is one of the best things that most people who suffer from mental health issues can do. Every therapist I've seen over
by notus 8y ago
People may be dismissive of this but this is one of the best things that most people who suffer from mental health issues can do. Every therapist I've seen over the years has constantly pushed me to exercise and/or maintain a consistent hobby. I was historically very dismissive of this idea and my thinking was that my problems were unique (even romanticizing that idea somewhat when I was younger). As I got older I just felt more alienated, disconnected, and crazy. Certain medications helped but it was difficult to stay on them. It wasn't until I was able to get into a workout routine and be consistent with it for a while that I started to feel mentally "normal" again or at least I stopped thinking that I was crazy and everyone else wasn't. The thing that motivated me into this was pretty much terror and panic. I was convinced I was losing it and everywhere I'd go the walls would close in and I would freak out (pretty bad agoraphobia). Hopefully someone who is struggling with mental health issues reads this and decides to make a change now instead of waiting until it gets worse.
I know all of this sounds like some "wow thanks i'm cured" content and no it will not cure you of your afflictions, but it takes the edge off of them so you can actually focus on and confront your issues rather than barely holding on.
- duaoebg 8y agoFor me working out is incredibly important for normalizing hormones and stabilizing my mood. I imagine it is the same for others. As an aside; I wonder if you have / had hypothyroidism?
- kovek 8y agoDo you have done interesting readings about normalizing hormones? I didn't think about this aspect when considering how working out improved health.
- natalyarostova 8y ago>(even romanticizing that idea somewhat when I was younger Hah, me too. Nothing kills that romantic feeling of individualistic poetic suffering like realizing your problems are actually because you are just a glorified biological robot not getting sufficient exercise and nutrients.
- dorchadas 8y agoI can third that. Though I think we also need to include the social aspect into it as well. Exercise and nutrients are needed, but I do think social interaction is also needed. In fact, I've almost made it a point to never turn down any invite simply because it generally makes me feel better, even when I'm not in a depression period.