Wondering...

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Wondering...
10
Mon, 06-26-2006 - 10:36am

I also posted this on the AD medication page, but I thought I'd post this here too:

Has anyone found regular exercise to be helpful with anxiety/depression? I've been on every AD med there is, some of them multiple times, and they just aren't working for me. I don't feel any different when I take them. Most recently I've been on Celexa for 5 weeks, but I think I'm going to stop taking it because I can't sleep when I'm on it. :-(

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2004
In reply to: ritousbabe
Mon, 06-26-2006 - 2:27pm

YES! I have found it helps a TON. Do it regularly if you are going to do it though and make sure you stay hydrated properly and eat enough. Not drinking enough before, during, and after and not eating properly will make you feel bad. Exercise is a big part of my life and I swear by it. I say be consistent because once I got into a routine, if I missed days or did it hit or miss, I'd feel bad, like I was missing something.

Kim

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: ritousbabe
Mon, 06-26-2006 - 5:43pm

Exercise does burn off the anxiety. It also has been proven to increase the endorphin levels in the body, which are sometimes called the *feel good* hormones. They help us cope with physical & emotional pain. I have found that regular exercise, a good diet & plenty of sleep helps my panic attacks.


Have you discussed your insomnia with the dr? When do you take the celexa? Sometimes AD's taken earlier in the day help ppl who's sleep is effected. There are lots of tips on sleep in the *coping tips & tricks* folder below. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
In reply to: ritousbabe
Tue, 06-27-2006 - 9:33am
Thanks for the response. How often do you work out? I've been going to the gym for a few years, but at this point I only make it three days a week and do cardio for only 30 minutes. It's all I have the energy for these days. Maybe I need to increase the number of days I go--it's just so hard to fit it in!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
In reply to: ritousbabe
Tue, 06-27-2006 - 9:37am

Hi Jan,

Yes, I've told my doctor about the insomnia. She gives me Klonopin or another sedative to help me sleep, but I still wake up throughout the night. All meds I have tried give me insomnia, which I think makes my anxiety worse! I have tried Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor and Wellbutrin. You name it, I have taken it!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2003
In reply to: ritousbabe
Tue, 06-27-2006 - 10:46am

I so sympathize with you! Paxil worked wonderfully for me but I was tired all the time but couldn't sleep! Crazy! And I gained weight. I've tried just about everything too. I'm taking Celexa now and I don't think it works that well. It works a little but not that well. Excercise seems to help me but not make it go away. Deep breathing helps me as much as anything. Here is a link to very good instructions and a video showing how to breath properly to relax and slow your heart rate; http://www.anxietycoach.com/breathing.htm
You do have to practice it a little every day to make it trully effective. If you only try it when you are in a deep panic, it is really hard to do. Yes, I'm speaking from experience!
I am not sure what else to say other than, hang in there and big hugs coming your way!

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-18-2003
In reply to: ritousbabe
Tue, 06-27-2006 - 11:34am

Hi there...I have posted on the depression board but not here before. I am impressed that you are exercising at all. My anxiety level is so high along with depression....that I haven't been able to even go for a walk these days. I avoid going out completely unless I can stay in the car and avoid people. I've let myself go over the months and I can tell. I've lost interest in everything..all I want to do is sleep.

I am on Effexor since March at the maximum dosage (225mg) daily and like the others...I couldn't sleep because of it. I was then added Trazadone 25mg at night for sleep. It has helped alot but now night sweats keep me from sleeping. (I am 45)

I really don't know where to turn from here. I know I am depressed, and basically I feel life is over and I am just existing now. I am 45 going on 95.

Thank you for letting me post here. Good luck with your exercise I know it will help you.

Take care, ivpisces

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: ritousbabe
Tue, 06-27-2006 - 6:20pm




 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2004
In reply to: ritousbabe
Wed, 06-28-2006 - 11:05am

I vary my exercise but get some for an hour or so each day. I play hockey, I attend an aerobics class 2 days a week for one hour each time and I take a Zumba class. If you like dance at all, try Zumba, it is very fun. I do it once a week for an hour. So - here is roughly what I do: Monday I have my aerobics class which also involves weight training. That is also the night I have hockey practice for 1.5 hours. Tuesday I typically just take a long walk with my dogs. Wednesday is aerobics class again. Thursday I usually play hockey for an hour or do a long walk with the dogs. Friday I am in a league currently so I play a 1 hour hockey game. Saturday mornings I do Zumba for 1 hour and sometimes stay for 2 hours. Sundays vary - sometimes it is hockey, sometimes I bike.

I would suggest that you join a class like Zumba just for something different to add to your gym routine. Hockey has been neat for me - I am 30 and had never played but gave it a try and I am loving it!

Again - stay hydrated if you add anything in that is real strenuous.

Kim

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: ritousbabe
Wed, 06-28-2006 - 11:16am

I feel like there is no reason for you to suffer as you are.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: ritousbabe
Thu, 06-29-2006 - 6:37pm

Kim, that's awesome!

Sheri Ann