FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Recovery Club

How exercise plays a crucial and significant role in mental health (dopamine and endorphins released)

How exercise plays a crucial and significant role in mental health (dopamine and endorphins released)

The powerful connection between exercise and mental health


Short story about me, I was depressed for aound 6 years between 2019 to mid 2024. My diet was garbage, i did no exercise, I was borderline obese and had no energy or confidence. My sleeping pattern was messed up, I would sleep at 3-4 am and wake up in the after noon. I was exhausted all the time, had brain fog and did not want to live. I never attempted suicide but it was on my mind daily and I felt trapped and hopeless.

Since mid 2024 I made a commitment to myself to turn my life around. I started by slowly fixing my diet, cutting out processed junk food and did daily exercise and meditation. I started to see a therapist and went back on antidepressants and took vitamins for my anxiety. I also stopped taking alcohol and reduced caffeine intake and slept at a more reasonable time, ensuring 7-8 hours a day. I took walks in nature and reconnected with friends and joined gym classes.

Exercise, and a healthy diet and therapy has changed my life.
Good luck everyone

2 replies

1 - 2 of 2

In response to: How exercise plays a crucial and significant role in mental health (dopamine and endorphins released)

Re: How exercise plays a crucial and significant role in mental health (dopamine and endorphins released)

Hey @ilovebenching, thank you for sharing your experiences with the community!

It sounds like you have worked really hard to find what works for you in your recovery journey. It's encouraging to see that exercise and diet played a big part in that for you, as this is something that so many, including myself, struggle with.

I encourage you to continue to work on your recovery and share your story with others.

Take care

RiverSeal

In response to: Re: How exercise plays a crucial and significant role in mental health (dopamine and endorphins released)

Re: How exercise plays a crucial and significant role in mental health (dopamine and endorphins released)

I appreciate your kind words. I am currently studying certificates 3 and 4 in fitness. I hope to be able to share my story and help people improve their lives through exercise. I am already helping a few friends and people online with weight loss goals and mental health tips. I feel I wasted too many of my years being unhealthy and depressed and I don't want others to make the same mistake

1 - 2 of 2