Exercise guidance for the pyshically depressed

Dany · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2007, 06:01 AM

Hi, I am sorry to waste your time with a question which will seam very trivial to you, however I do not exercise at the moment, I only take a forty minute walk a day at a slow pace, I eat well and therefore I am not fat however...

I have been depressed for a few years now, and my doctor as told me that perhaps exercise is what I'm lacking to do with the production of some brain chemicals which produce happiness however I have not exercised properly in about five years and I honestly have forgot what I should do and how long I should do it.

The reason why is mainly because I have breathing problems, I cannot walk up two flights of stairs without feeling exhaustion. However I do want more stamina as well as to cure the depression as I get tired with simple day to day activities... like opening a tight bottle... /sigh

So what I want to ask is:

1) What should I do as a exercise to increase the brain chemicals
2) How long should I do it a day
3) Is there any procedures of how I should do it?

Thanks

Cheryl · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 01:03 PM

Okay! Exercise DOES increase Seratonin levels, however you need to exercise 3-4 days a week.....for 1 hour....

I am concerned that you are winded from climbing stairs....that makes me nervous...
I would suggest you get a full physical check up.....I CAN not believe your doctor recommended that you exercise for depression...that is very unusual....they traditionally are very quick to write out a prescription for an anti-depressant...so I'm a little surprised.

Now, I would still get a full check up.....and I hope you do not smoke or drink alcohol.....What is your age, height, weight..............gender. When was the last time you remember feeling "good".............

I am very proud that you are walking.....that is a great start.....Eventually you are going to have to challenge yourself and increase your cardio in order to get the results you're looking for.

I need more information....do you want to lose any weight at all....Or are you exercising strictly to improve your mood????
What other recreation do you do? what are your passions???

Okay! I hope to hear from you soon!
Cheryl : )

john601 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 06:17 AM

Quote:

The reason why is mainly because I have breathing problems, I cannot walk up two flights of stairs without feeling exhaustion.

If you are having breathing problems then I am not sure if exercises would be good. It can be that you have some medical problem. I think you should get a second medical opinion before starting exercises.