I have battled with depression for the last 10 - 12 years in my life and have been on medication for about 6 of those years. It didnt matter to my "brain" that I was having a very good life. Anyway, in January (the 21st to be exact) I started working out with a professional trainer. I strength train 3 days a week and do cardio 5 days a week. And I began to eat much better. I feel like a new person. I have been able to cut back on my anti-depressants. I used to take 225 mg of effexor and have been down to 150 mg for 2 months now. I am now ready to cut back again (with the help of my doctor by the way). So to put it in a nutshell, if anyone is reading these posts that are thinking about exercising, DO IT. Your body will can make the extra seratonin to help with depression. I cannot say enough about how much better I feel. I fall asleep faster and wake up rested. I love strength training. I will never give it up. Thanks for reading.

I agree. It helps me too. I also was taking medication for depression. I found out that I was hypothyroid which can also cause depression. I'm much better now that I'm on Synthroid and I'm exercising more.

It helps me out. Thats for sure. I sleep better and feel better throughout the day.

DITTO on all of that! I often times find if I am under the weather, that it is because I have cut back in exercise. That goes beyond the "commitment" factor. Seratonin levels definitely get boosted as a result of exercise. Just this morning I was explaining that to someone. What interesting timing! -Chris

Yes, I noticed that my mood is much more consistant when I exercise! I think we were all "programmed" to move, and if we don't, not only our mental health suffers, but our physical health too. WHOO HOO, I'm so glad to hear this!!! :bouncing: