I do have some kind of depression-like stuff going on. I’m never sure whether to call it that, or whether the semantics even matter. I know I’m not sick like a person who belongs in a psych ward, but I am kind of an unhappy person. I’ve been ashamed of myself the majority of the time since I was twelve (sometimes with more justification than others.)
I know lack of exercise gets to me.
I also know during my worst period (which was before I’d ever tried lifting) I used running as a “cure” and it worked. At around the three-mile mark I would feel like the ice in my head was starting to melt. I would swear there’s a physiological connection there. So I think more running might be a good prescription. (My current area is not a safe place to run after dark, so it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like in the wintertime, but I’ll try to run when I do have the chance.)
[quote]debraD wrote:
I hope you don’t mind me commenting, but from your posting history you do sound like you’re prone to some depression at times, to which I can relate. If you think so too, I’d like to ask, do you notice a relationship with your bluer times with your training and running?
I ask because I’ve noticed myself that I need a decent amount of moderate/easier runs to relax and feel good mentally. I do a lot of thinking at that pace and it’s usually positive. I know most people in this forum are generally against too much running but I find it’s worth it even if it costs me strength because I can’t lift if I have no motivation.
It took me awhile to see a pattern so possibly you might notice something too?
But if I’m way off, then apologies :)[/quote]
That’s a pretty interesting observation. It’s important for each of us to recognise those aspects of our lives that restore us and feed our souls. If running is what does it, then it’s important. That’s food for thought.
I suffered from depression a lot when I was younger. I think exercise is the one thing that got me through it (I never sought help so I was never on meds or anything, but this was definitely depression vs feeling a bit blue). I like to run outdoors to clear my head too - it helps if you have somewhere green to run, rather than just pounding streets alongside the traffic. Like Debra, I do a lot of thinking and/or daydreaming while I run. I think it’s important to give yourself some headspace every so often.
Make sure you’re taking vitamin D as well, now that it’s getting darker. It helps a lot with SAD.
I dabble in depression, but didn’t experience it until my early 40s. Mine may be more hormonal. Any kind of physical activity lifts the veil somewhat for me.
Nice job with the PR tie in squat. That’s gotta feel good.
I saw a psychiatrist for some time last year, she recommended 30 min aerobics 5 days a week. That sort of activity, especially long distance running, is great for getting those endorphines flowing. Hoorah for “runner’s high!” I need to start doing that again, as winter sets in, to head off the SAD.
Vitamin D makes a huge difference in my energy levels, too.
Hey, I’m back – I thought I might quit the site, but it turns out I like getting feedback and this is probably the best way to stay motivated and accountable.
Looking back on the past semester, it hasn’t been great from a physical point of view. I’ve missed a lot of workouts (due to schedule conflicts, mostly, but some of it was my own lack of organization.) I haven’t gotten stronger. I think I’ve gained weight. The good news is, I won’t have schedule conflicts next semester so I can go to all the powerlifting practices. And I think I’ll get the food stuff under control bit by bit; so far I’m just giving up sweets, and after I’ve made a consistent habit of it I’ll ditch the starch. The other bit of good news is that my dad has come round on the exercise front, so when I go home over break there won’t be any conflicts about me wanting to go to the gym.
The rest of my life is – interesting. I’m gearing up for quals (very important exams; if you fail you don’t get to stay in school.) So it’s stressful, but I’m hopefully seven days away from escaping topology for ever. Also, four (count 'em, four) guys want to be my boyfriend. It’s the most astonishing thing.
The boys: #1: leaving town for good soon, so not a great prospect. #2: a good guy, but I’m not personally that into him. #3: charming as hell, and movie-star handsome, but he’s outgoing and a ladies’ man so I’d guess he’s not the long-term relationship type. #4: kind of wonderful. But he dropped out of college to start a business, and I’m not sure if that’s a bad sign (unstable? not respectable?)
The boys: #1: leaving town for good soon, so not a great prospect.
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100% right.
No attraction = a non-starter.
[quote] #3: charming as hell, and movie-star handsome, but he’s outgoing and a ladies’ man so I’d guess he’s not the long-term relationship type.[/quote]
Well, a fling has its place too. But I understand the thinking if a long-term relationship is your priority.
[quote] #4: kind of wonderful. But he dropped out of college to start a business, and I’m not sure if that’s a bad sign (unstable? not respectable?)[/quote]
Absolutely not. I actually really like someone who knows what he wants and goes after it, especially if the choice isn’t the lemming choice. This dude might be the next Bill Gates. Give “kind of wonderful” a shot.