Exercise induced depression/malaise

[PaterEphrem]

Hello all,

Has anyone ever experienced mood instability provoked by exercise, even light physical exertion such as very light-intensity gym workouts, walking up hills, etc. within the context of a Bipolar or Depression diagnosis? Sometimes a delayed response appearing days later.

I look forward to hearing from anyone.

Cheers,

[PaterEphrem]

Great reply, thank you.

Militantly following a modified form of a ketogenic diet has helped, organic food, and social well-being is paramount.

I've been very content with walking as exercise for a year now, rather than gym workouts. It has benefited except that some kind of exertion and strain has kindled a period of cycling.

Stay healthy

[PaterEphrem]

Thanks for your reply (the three of you).

Persephonedemeter,

Your description sounds similar to the cycling I'm experiencing lately at the slightest exercise, which tragically event extends to singing at the upper end of my baritone register.  

Did your psychiatrist offer any insights in particular?

Thank you.

[persephonedemeter]

I did experience mood swings, where it felt a lot like rapid cycling, when I started an exericse program, starting with light exercise. It usually happened when I was 20 minutes into it or when I started breaking into a light sweat. It took me by surprise. Normally, I do go through some kind of emotional release when my mind wanders into something I think about, but that was something differently. Mainly, because it would endure and it was pervasive for a few hours or the rest of the day. I told my psychiatrist about it. Now, I just pay attention and adjust my workout before I get triggered, and sometimes, I wasn't able to successfully stop it, but it isn't as bad as it was before now. I basically slow down and start self talk going through a cbt exercise in my head. Sometimes, that doesn't work, and I just stop the exercise. That was awhile back. I don't have that problem anymore, although I am aware it could possibly happen again. If that is what you are talking about, then, it is nice to know someone else goes through it.

[Bubulous]

This is a different kind of question and I am not sure what you meant by it but I will try to understand what you were saying.
There is a side effect of depression that can bleed over into your exercise routine.  I would think about the possibilty that the depression was already there bu perhaps you have a bad day at the gym or want to give up early and quit during an exercise.  This may seem like the exercise caused the depression but usually in reality the depression was already there.

[weaver71]

Just to me, this doesn't sound like a bipolar pattern, more like a blood sugar problem, or other nutritional deficiency. I've seen this in anemia, diabetes, hypo thyroid, etc.. The symptoms you describe could be rooted in depression, as many physical symptoms are present, but this doesn't sound specifically bipolar.  Have you been to a doctor or naturopath about this? Even a nutritionist could help, be it bipolar, depression, or something else, a good diet and low toxin intake helps them all. That is usually where I start for any disorder, am I doing all the right things to not feel this, then i look into other treatments. I went and had a bunch of test run, to rule out any physical disease I may be suffering from, so at least I knew it was brain chemistry, not my habits.