I was depressed for the past few years (5 years) because of feelings of inadequacy and immense pressure from school. All that was amplified by the fact I never attracted the interest of girls and every girl i ever liked never cared about me that way and slowly friends stopped talking to me.
But everything stopped when my mother finally allowed me to gym. I suddenly received an increased efficiency when it came to my studies which was a major source of pain for me.
Slowly my pain started to fade, I stopped having my strange suicidal dreams of scenarios involving how she never cared about me and what not. And then later on, the pain faded away all together.
Nothing really changed much about my life. I’m still the same nerd, who girls don’t take interest in but I’m happier with the help from the endorphins of exercise
Just wondering if you guys get a lot of exercise 😕
15 comments
Yeah I used to do rugby, do cross country and hit the weights all the time. But for me they didn’t help my depression. It only took my mind off for a bit whilst exercising, but once I stop, thoughts returned. Glad to hear exercise works for you 🙂
Its kinda hard to get a lot of excercise when you dont even have the energy to get out of bed.
Just the other day I mentioned exercise in a comment so someone on here who said they don’t smoke, drink, or cut themselves, and they wish they had a coping device like other people have. Exercise really is great for that. The funny thing is for those that cut themselves, it’s this big dramatic act, crying for help, trying to get attention, and although we tell ourselves it’s a way of inflicting pain upon ourself, the funny thing is, I think getting down on the floor and knocking out a set up pushups until you can’t move anymore creates a lot more discomfort than any of the cuts I ever gave myself. So for anyone who gets all caught up in the drama of wanting to cut, wanting to inflict pain on yourself, why not start an exercise routine. That’s really a good way to beat on yourself when you aren’t happy lol. Plus you get a good result from it, as you mentioned, it makes you feel better in general, AND, you set aside all the “emo” things about cutting where, no matter how hard people try to deny it, it IS trying to get attention. Instead do a hardcore workout when you’re upset, you can go to school the next day and nobody will know you’re upset, you don’t have to worry about wearing long sleeves or covering up scars you’ve given yourself, the only time people will notice is if you stick with it long enough that you start getting in great shape!
Exercise is proven to release endorphins and chemicals that make us feel good. Some people who cut may not even realize the science behind it, cutting actually makes you feel good too. It’s funny that we tend to look at it as self-punishment or self-harm, when in reality, it’s just a twisted way of feeling better. I compare it to crying. People associate crying with sadness, but we’ve all had those times where when we’re crying, it’s hard to deny that it’s really enjoyable. Anyways I’m rambling, but cutting actually releases some of those same “relief” chemicals into your brain too. So I think many, many people here should put down their tiny dramatic razorblade, and the next time you’re upset, do some exercises. Lord knows we could use it in this country, and it’s really a much more productive way to deal with pent up stress and anger.
@thousandcuts, ok. I didnt even read the rest of your comment because of that ridicioulous comment you made. Not all cutters are crying for help and trying to get attention. I NEVER show my cuts to anyone.
I think its a bit weird that you would say something like that.
ridiculous*
I used to. Now I can’t be bothered. I blame my medication. It would help if there were some cool sports. Most sports are too ridiculous for words imo.
I’m thinking of taking up tetherball though. I feel like hitting things would be beneficial to me.
Exercise does have value in distracting one from bad thoughts, but it is temporary. It does not ever address the underlying issues. I speak from experience. 53 years old, fighting depression and suicidal thoughts for nearly 40 years. Had allowed my self to be a fat tub of inert lard by 45, but made a huge change after coming very close to suicide. Exercise took 100 pounds off and made me feel great for about a half year.. maybe longer. But eventually, with the weight off, with all the compliments, even with dating, eventually you see that everything that was wrong and broken is still wrong and broken. I still exercise, and it helps for an hour or two. But the overall taste of life – pointless, shallow and doomed to disease and death – remains the same. I still dream of suicide daily, but what prevents me is the knowledge of those it would harm besides my self. If I were to act on these urges, I would be cursing at least one family member to the horror I face daily – sadness, gloom, ennui, and guilt. Life blows when your brain is this broken. But there’s not much you can do but struggle through.
Hi
I am probably one of the most qualified (without tooting my horn) to comment on this. Am an ex elite long distance runner and a young (34yr old) associate professor specializing in exercise physiology and effects on the brain. Exercise is amazing, it can do so much, not just physically but mentally, and as mentioned, get all those endorphins and small chemicals released (dopa, serotonin, growth factors) in the brain that helps mood and well being. Do exercise, it is amazing.
However, I run roughly 16 miles a day (at least 10miles minimum) but have 5 suicide attempts and severe depression and want nothing more than to die. I have of course had periods (weeks at a time) where I couldn’t get out of bed, but when I can, I run. I would hate to know how I would feel if I did not do any exercise, but generally, the feelings of hopelessness and meaningless trump everything else.
About cutting – agree with Christina – a pretty pathetic comment to say that cutters are attention seeking. I do show my cuts (over 300 on my forearm), but I am not proud or attention seeking, just trying to “own” the way I look, because that is what I have become. The pain from cutting is a million times different to any muscular or psychological/physical “pain” associated with intense exercise. Not even closely related.
Yes, that bad misunderstanding of cutting behavior ruined an otherwise valuable post. I have never cut, but hit myself in the face when really bad off, or strangle with a belt to the point of dizziness. It’s stupid, and runs a genuine risk of damaging my brain, but my arms want to do it. It really is not a “this will make them feel bad and worry about me” decision – I feel the energy in my arms, wanting to slip a belt around my neck or hit myself. And yes, it is about some endorphin release but, i think, more about wanting the brain to JUST STOP TORTURING ME!! And it has some appeal as “taking control”, although it really is out of control behavior.
Wow, Everlasting!
Didn’t know we were in such exalted company. I was thinking of entering the Bristol 10k but my preparations had a minor setback. Well, the only training I did was walking back and forth from the bar with a pint of beer. Now, if they had a relay race where the baton was a bottle of beer I’m sure I would be so more competitive. Plus, I wasn’t ready to take on the Kenyans and Paula Radcliffe. Thinks she can defeat me… I’ll show her.
Hi Duke
It sounds like a start at least, don’t give up, Paula would be totally beatable. 🙂
Hi Everlasting
It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been beaten by a girl though. I dont think my pride could take another beating.
By coincidence today was my first day at the gym after more than a decade of learning the ways of being a plant.
Endorphins are when you can’t stand on your feet halfway during your routine, or when you puke three times after your workout?
I exercise every day, usually about an hours worth, but if i feel like cutting sometimes i run as fast as i can until my chest wants to explode.. Sometimes nothing works and despite all efforts i still cut. I exercise so i dont get fat, I get really restless if i cant exercise, gess its something to do each day.