4 ms·

It's clear to me personally (N=1) that exercise is fantastic to reduce/prevent depression, but I don't see any indication this study showed causality (nor does

by shric 2y ago

It's clear to me personally (N=1) that exercise is fantastic to reduce/prevent depression, but I don't see any indication this study showed causality (nor does it claim to, to be fair). People who are depressed are less likely to have the initiative/will power to get out of bed and do some moderate exercise.

euroderf 2y ago
Yes, a negative feedback loop. Peer pressure can offset this. So rather than signing up for a gym membership that you only use once or twice, instead try signing up for a class of some sort - anything that gets you off yer butt - tai chi, fencing, modern dance, whatever. But a place where you see the same faces every week.
- unaindz 2y ago
  Unless you are asocial when depressed
  - euroderf 2y ago
    All the more reason.
    - Nevermark 2y ago
      As someone who has dealt with depression and probably always will, a socially engaging workout would eliminate any chance whatsoever of participation. Trying to force my muscles to move in front of other people, not to mention holding up conversations I don't have energy for, would be social torture. My process: puttering around organizing my space gets me moving - if I "waste" a day or two moving around, all the better. The vanishing clutter lifts my spirits. Then walks. Cardio VR games that are fun of their own accord. As I get more energy, I ramp up actual workouts. And start engaging with people again. -- Edit: But yes, as a preventative, I can see social workouts as helpful for overcoming a general exercise motivation gap. The same as for anyone. But it would have a tendency to backfire when an episode hit. I need to recover physical, mental, then social energy in that order.
      - euroderf 2y ago
        > puttering around organizing my space gets me moving I've done this myself. Three or four hours has seemed optimal. Time to meditate. On occasion a string of Reward Beers (TM) provides motivation and carbs.

by shric 2y ago

euroderf 2y ago

Yes, a negative feedback loop. Peer pressure can offset this. So rather than signing up for a gym membership that you only use once or twice, instead try signing up for a class of some sort - anything that gets you off yer butt - tai chi, fencing, modern dance, whatever. But a place where you see the same faces every week.

unaindz 2y ago
Unless you are asocial when depressed
- euroderf 2y ago
  All the more reason.
  - Nevermark 2y ago
    As someone who has dealt with depression and probably always will, a socially engaging workout would eliminate any chance whatsoever of participation. Trying to force my muscles to move in front of other people, not to mention holding up conversations I don't have energy for, would be social torture. My process: puttering around organizing my space gets me moving - if I "waste" a day or two moving around, all the better. The vanishing clutter lifts my spirits. Then walks. Cardio VR games that are fun of their own accord. As I get more energy, I ramp up actual workouts. And start engaging with people again. -- Edit: But yes, as a preventative, I can see social workouts as helpful for overcoming a general exercise motivation gap. The same as for anyone. But it would have a tendency to backfire when an episode hit. I need to recover physical, mental, then social energy in that order.
    - euroderf 2y ago
      > puttering around organizing my space gets me moving I've done this myself. Three or four hours has seemed optimal. Time to meditate. On occasion a string of Reward Beers (TM) provides motivation and carbs.