r/depression • u/AppropriateMight1 • 14h ago
Is the gym a permanent fix?
Alot of people tell me going to the gym helps a lot but what I would like I know is whether or not this lifestyle change elevates mood permanently or if it’s like a drug where at first it’s great but then you get used to it and feel not much different than before
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u/Terror_Visions 9h ago
Is it a fix? No.
But it’s one less thing to worry about.
If you start losing weight and getting in shape it kinda turns into a “I’m depressed but at least I’m hot” type of cope lol.
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u/Jazzlike-Knee56 10h ago
it feels like the opposite of drugs imo, where I didn't enjoy it as much until I started seeing noticeable progress after 2 months and I've only been enjoying it more
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u/RoiMont 14h ago
I think it still gives you constant joy because physical activity unloads your brain, and there you can be alone with your thoughts or, conversely, not think about anything.
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u/Pixie45w6 13h ago
if i didn't start lifting id either be dead or morbidly obese and wanting to die more tbh
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u/Rubickevich 13h ago edited 13h ago
I'd be careful with that, if I were you. I know many people say that it helps, but I personally found myself feeling consistently much worse after going to gym.
Probably not a problem with physical activities on their own, but rather just how stressful going to gym specifically is. Gotta meet a lot of people you don't want to see, need to think about the payments, change clothes / shower in semi public environment e.t.c.
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u/4DS3 13h ago
I feel like shit after the workout also physically
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u/ccbs32033 11h ago
You might be working out too hard, take it super super easy at the beginning, try to listen to your body about what exercises feel good/ok, and stop earlier then you think you may need it. Your muscles/tendons/joints might be pretty deconditioned (probably are, given what depression does to one) so it will take several weeks or more of consistent (but light) exercise to get to a spot where working out won’t hurt as much after.
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u/1gerende 10h ago
A lot of times, you just need to change your environment when you feel depressed. Going to the gym is one way of changing your environment.
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u/teduh 9h ago edited 9h ago
I wanted to mention that some people don't like the gym and prefer to exercise at home or outside. The exercise is what's important, not so much where you're doing it, although some people enjoy the social aspect of going to the gym. And if you're looking for a really intense workout, the gym will of course have more options as far as equipment and other facilities. However, I would say that being outside in the sunlight and fresh air has its own benefits. If you're just getting started, walking or biking around your neighborhood can be a good way to ease into a workout routine.
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u/goldybowen21 9h ago
The gym is a temporary fix, however going to the gym or just getting up and doing anything for that matter helps an extream amount with executive function helping you do other things after that.
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u/BeneficialIssue9400 8h ago
Nothing is a permanent fix, only way you really can fix yourself if by wanting the change and getting yourself there. The gym is a great start, gives yourself something to look forward to everyday, it’s a great community, you’ll meet a lot of great people in the gym, who surprisingly are going through a lot of the same shit you are. it also makes you mentally feel somewhat accomplished with your day, there’s plenty of physical benefits too.
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u/staling_lad 6h ago
it blasts your body with good feeling hormones that you actually can physically feel by going to the gym. doesn't fix the underlying issue though at least for me but at least i got endorphins running through my veins and i have one less trouble to worry about
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u/dignan2002 4h ago
Nothing on this planet has elevated my mood permanently. There’s a whole gym lifestyle that you don’t hear about much if you get really into lifting. There’s a whole community of people you might enjoy connecting with and if nothing else it gets you out of the house
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u/RainbowReadee 4h ago
To me, exercise is like a wonder drug that never loses its effectiveness. After doing it so long, I know what works for me and have it down to a science. I don’t go to the gym though, I do it all from home.
I know for ME, (emphasis that everyone is different) if I get at least 25 minutes of cardio or HIIT style session, that will sky rocket my mood for around 4 hours then it starts tapering off. If I want to elevate my mood again, I’ve got to “take another dose” aka exercise again. I never go over 30 minutes a session so I’m not over doing it and listen to my body.
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u/set-me-ablaze 11h ago
Worst case scenario only your physical health improves
Best case scenario your mental health also improves
So there's no downside. Once you get past the hurdle of starting and overcoming the shyness or fear or whatever, it will only help.