Depression and Weight IssuesHave you been diagnosed with depression, are possibly on depression medication, and find it affects your weight loss efforts? Post here for support!
I also have GAD, and I was wondering if anything has worked for yours like those things usually do for Depression? Sometimes I wonder if it is only thinking that can change anxiousness, but also what if going outside for a walk does not distract you from your thoughts or worries? What has worked for you possibly?
Exercise definitely helps keep my anxiety manageable. I have a recumbent bike for bad weather days, and walk outside on good weather days. Sometimes I do a yoga dvd, or play Wii fit. I also knit. Counting stitches and the general rhythm of knitting is very calming to me.
I suffer from OCD and am trying to exercise every day hoping that it may help with the anxiety, even if just a little! I know that while im on my treadmill, I dont feel anxious because my body is working too hard!
I deal with ADD, but have struggled with anxiety over periods of my life.
I think finding the exercise that you enjoy would be most helpful, something that requires concentration on the movement. I do Pilates five days a week. I have an exceptional instructor. It is the one hour of my day when my brain is in my body in the room with me, working at doing the moves correctly.
I like the knitting too. I keep the TV or radio on during the day. And I write.
Definitely. It helps calm that buzzy feel I get with anxiety - it seems to calm bad energy and supply more good energy (after you get over the first hump of regaining fitness).
I've been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well. I used to use food as a way of coping, especially after a full blown anxiety attack. its one of the reasons I ended up weighing in at over 300 pounds. Its not been easy giving up food as a coping tool. Exercise does help some, really any kind of busy work helps. however for me personally i have found sleep to most effective. when i get all stressed and fuzzy buzzy and a meltdown is imminent i just take a short nap and hopefully wake up in a better mindset.
Last edited by Tibbits2u; 05-09-2013 at 10:45 AM.
Reason: spelling
I also have GAD and I've found that exercising with loud music helps me drown out some worries and thoughts I have. Also, if I time my workouts, like run/walk intervals, I stay more focused on my work out and not about anything off the treadmill. I'll be starting yoga soon and hopefully that helps. I am always very high-strung and I find it hard to distract myself. Good luck!
If I do yoga or pilates, can that be considered my exercise for 45-60 minutes most days? I generally like moving around fast, but is there any reason for me to feel guilty if most days I use those methods for exercising, instead of, say, a walk?
If I do yoga or pilates, can that be considered my exercise for 45-60 minutes most days? I generally like moving around fast, but is there any reason for me to feel guilty if most days I use those methods for exercising, instead of, say, a walk?
Yoga and pilates are definitely exercise. And don't go looking for reasons to feel guilty
I had anxiety/panic disorder really bad for many years. I had somewhat under conrol with medication but never felt 100%. Once I started doing cardio on a regular basis (jogging and elliptical) it wiped it out almost completely.
The links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren't entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you're feeling better.
Exercise Help with Anxiety
