Does running help you feel better mentally? It does for me as well. But something I saw on Twitter made me think recently, about being careful about the claims we make about how much running can help:
Terrell thanks for posting about this...I exercised quite regularly over the years (primarily weigh lifting) until I turned to running about 4 years ago. I have lived with serious depression, anxiety and suicide ideation for well over 25 years. I never knew ho much running was going to help me...it have truly been a life saver. My mental state has absolutely gotten better over these last few years. Something about the consistency and reliability of running, being outside, listening to podcasts, music or running with friends. The whole thing has lifted my mental state. There is much more that I need to do to maintain good mental health, however, running is a clear part of my treatment plan.
I have shared before that I started to seriously run when I went into depression over my father's sudden mental and physical decline. I also use running to help me cope with all the death, pain and suffering I have been experiencing as a nurse in a Covid unit since March, but most especially in the last few weeks. So, yes, I definitely agree that running helps with depression, but what most caught my attention about that Tweet, was the last sentence. This holds true for so many cures/treatments/therapies/medicines/interventions. Eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, and taking medications all help, but don't necessarily cure all, especially when not done exactly as prescribed. This is what I have wanted to address over and over again on social media posts that state the mask wearing must not help since the number of cases of Covid are still going up. First of all, we know that not everyone is complying, and unlike taking medicines, following a diet or exercise program, this is an intervention that needs to be practiced by OTHERS to be most effective. Also, it is only one of the recommendations that should be followed. In other words, it is not a cure-all, but it helps.
I know that we try and stay away from controversial subjects here, and if you feel this post is inappropriate, feel free to delete. It's just that I'm seeing so much, and running can only help me cope to a point.
There are so many great comments here which resonate with me. For sure it has been a difficult year. I typically have been a social runner and have not always enjoyed running solo. Covid changed that for me as I ran the majority of my runs by myself. This has been hard as I have often felt lonely and disconnected from others. I am a night owl by nature but the majority of my running friends are early morning runners so they were so great about getting me out, seeing so many beautiful sunrises and starting my day out strong. Since I have been running solo most of the last year I have reverted back to evening runs. I often feel a bit guilty about it, as if I am a slacker for not getting out in the morning. But I love running at sunset and how it makes me feel. It gives me a sense of peace and calm, a hush to my soul as the day comes to a close with it's own hush. It was fantastic in December when so many had their Christmas lights on. Because of the pandemic, people were not moving as much as usual and I often felt like I had the world to myself. The crisp, cool air was invigorating and the sky was phenomenal. I began to notice the routines nature has which I had never noticed before. For example, I realized a flock of birds would fly past the same area, in the same direction, about the same time each night. It became a mission for me to try to catch them each night. I ran through so many clear nights with tons of stars. And the moons! Oh my! Fabulous! When there is so much darkness in the world, running in the dark under the lights of the moon, stars and those Christmas lights was incredible. It gave me a sense of awe and appreciation for all God has provided. Somehow running reels me back in to myself and helps to reset my mind and soul to truly what is important to me, what I can personally control in this world and what is most important I do with my time and energy. I no longer feel guilty about running in the evenings. I cherish that time and love that it is my secret sauce to a healthier mind, body and spirit. So I guess my point is, do YOU and follow your heart. Be gracious and gentle with yourself. Appreciate what is in the moment you are in. Because in the end, the moment you are in is the only guarantee any of us has.
Have you ever gone to church and the very topic they talk about is the one thing that’s been on your mind, or you needed to hear? Well I looked at my phone when your email came through (your a VIP btw) and I chuckled when I read the topic!All day I’ve been down, and I’ve had these days more and more often lately. Lack of motivation, not wanting to get out of bed, wanting to cry all day, no appetite...this was me all day today. I do wonder if I am depressed.
Running does for sure help though! It’s just a matter of stepping foot outside to begin. I’ve even gotten dressed to run and had my coffee, then I’ll get back into bed again. This is so unlike me, but lately, this is the norm.
On the bright side, this group does help! I like hearing from all the members and the likes on Strava after a run are very encouraging. This is a tough time. Praying we get through this quickly.
Thanks for sharing, great thought and comments!! I got a little depressed on my run this morning. I was excited to do my long run, then I got some IBS, I had to end my run early. So frustrating, but I was able to be outside and running. Being outside adds to the light I get from running.
Absolutely! I gave up on exercise for a few years because I was "too busy". I have since learned they busier I am the more I need to make time for a good run. Many times I have thought of a good approach to a problem (professional and personal) while running.
Wow, Matt definitely makes sense.....sometimes the little things we do in life have the biggest impact. Simply putting on my running shoes and just focusing on my breathing and foot falls is therapy in itself. Thank you for sharing this!
I've been an off/on runner for the last 11 years. When I first started running 11 years ago I was in the grip of a depression that I'm still shocked that I survived from. There have been times where running was the only thing that made sense of my life and the structure of it kept me going. Unfortunately after finishing my first marathon I was experienced an incredible blow to my self worth that would be triggered everytime I would try and run. It's taken years to recover from that, but I'm back again. With my sweet friend running, and we are rebuilding our relationship. Overall I'm healthier (emotionally and physically) when running is a part of my life. I love the share Terrell. It's not a cure-all, but oh yes, it is a help-some. <3
Who know when I was very young I had high blood pressure and running help that but I also have really bad depression when I run I feel so free and so happy lets my mind wander This is change the way I think have become much more positive person in a much happier person And drugs do not help at all you just got to go out and do it in running really helps
Absolutely helps!!!! I get my runs and workouts in first this in the morning before my day really begins. I find it helps keep me more focused and able to manage stressors that occasionally pop up and try and ruin my day! If I don’t get my workout in first thing, I tend to skip it and then I feel really crappy! Running will always be my best friend for stress relief! Happy Friday!
There is no doubt that running/walking was my salvation during the lockdown this year. My husband was really sick the first weekend in April. I could envision him going into the hospital, but he recovered. Although he was not tested, we are pretty confident that he had Covid. He had long term issues over the summer. I have said many times that exercise was truly my salvation. Coincidentally, I just finished reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Assuming you are quoting the author? The book was magical realism genre and about hope and all the reasons to live.
Running eases the stress, the sadness. Especially during the winter months. I started running during my college years but quit with my first baby. My second baby started running during college and I started running again and it's been a blessing. It builds my confidence, strengthens my resolve and allows me much needed and much appreciated time alone. I like the image of "airing out the house" from Edith. :)
Oh heck yeah!!! My husband loves to say that he’s afraid for me not to run! He’s (mostly) kidding of course, but there’s a little truth to that. I sleep better and feel better overall. I think I’ve mentioned to you before that as I have gotten older, I don’t run every day anymore, but I do notice if I miss one of my every other day runs. I get a bit more edgy and don’t have as bright an outlook. Definitely not a cure all, but it does definitely help.
It's definitely a help. A friend once told me that in Germany people open their windows every day for half an hour to air out their homes, no matter how cold it is outside, and I'm not sure how true that is, but running feels like this to me. Airing something out. The body the mind, both. It doesn't always fix things, but it often helps put things in perspective.
I've thought about this a lot and I completely agree it's a "help some". I don't think it takes the place of therapy or medication but if it helps you feel even a little bit better it's a help. Some is always better then none.
I've suffered with depression and anxiety for 40 years and medication can only do so much. Running is one of my go to's for dealing with these issues, especially over the last year with Covid. The 2nd tweet says it ALL!!!
Running releases endorphins, which is a transliteration for "endogenous morphine". It acts at the same receptors as opioids hence the "runner's high". It is a natural way to stimulate the good neurotransmitters. It is a good addiction (been on it for 54 years, since I was 13 years old). Also, I went to the Texas Marathon in Kingwood (did the half) on January 1, and a trail run in December. It is so good to be back to normal with live races, everyone having a good time. None of this "virtual" stuff.
Absolutely running helps! As a teacher in this time of Covid, Virtual teaching, hybrid teaching, back to virtual......it's a wonder we all haven't gone bonkers. But, when we were virtual, it did allow me more time to schedule runs in my day, and with more frequency. When I didn't get my weekly runs in, I could tell (as could my husband) that I was getting a bit more "cranky". When my husband would ask if I was going for a run, it was kind of a suggestion that maybe I NEEDED to get out and run off some of my frustrations and anxieties. It isn't a cure-all, but it is definitely a stress reliever, and not just for me. (ask my husband :-) )
i love that 2nd tweet too. i have relived many moments of my life, solved current problems, seen different sides and examined many relationships and issues on my runs. there are times i have left the house and returned and not even remembered i was running. the benefits of running are incredible. when people ask why i don't listen to music when i run, one of the reasons is because the voices in my head would drown it out. not all the time, but when i'm alone sometimes i am able to achieve the best mental clarity. happy friday everyone!
In the last year of Covid experience running helped against depression and bad news. Surrounded by TV depressing news, the daily count of death, panic for risk of losing job, to lose loved people, running helps. I changed my running mental approach. Before it was only about losing weight, running half marathons, training for a specific date. Now is myself and that’s it. One hour per day I run and listen to a good book (fantastic audible) and escape from all negativity. It helps. A lot. At least I know that I am doing something good to keep me fit and in good health, nothing will be the same anymore, but for one hour is all about NO COVD and NO NEGATIVITY
Running definitely helps. I deal with chronic long-term depression and running, especially outside, helps me cope in so many ways. Solo weekday runs help me recharge with some much needed alone time. Saturday runs with friends are always a highlight of my week. Besides just the benefits of exercise, the time I get to talk and vent with my friends is a real mood lifter. I mostly run early and running, watching the sun come up and the colors change in the sky, makes me feel peaceful and restored in a way not much else can.
Agree that getting out for a run can a beautiful thing BUT training for a big goal can be a stressor. Work has been a mess for a couple of weeks, and my brain is tossed between “I should get this work done” and “if you don’t get these miles in, you’re not going to be ready for that race.” Yesterday after lunch, a coworker urged me to get out and enjoy the day, so I did. But it was a terrible run and the whole time I was thinking (I should be working) instead of (ahhhh it’s so good to get out in the sunlight and away from the stress!) So didn’t finish all of the training miles + didn’t get work done = 2x as much stress. 😖 (Nevertheless, gratitude helps a lot here, because I am very grateful to still have a good job. And my weekend long run will make up for the ugly week. I hope. 🤞🏽)
I feel like running has really helped me to stave off depression throughout the pandemic. I tend to be a social person and with everything cancelled there hasn't been much social interaction to be had. At the beginning of the pandemic I put together a small group and we have been meeting to run every Saturday morning since last March. We even added going to brunch after during the summer when things had settled down a bit and we could sit outside. Now with the winter weather and darker days having my Saturday mornings to look forward to is a blessing. I always feel better after a run or workout.
During COVID-19, running has been my relief. I've basically been quarantined since last March. I do take anti depressants but with the way things are, I am truly grateful that I had running and I also appreciate having a half marathon in May to work towards!
Running and working out clears my head, relieves my stress and give me my "Me Time". I am a morning person so I get it done early... I feel strong, motivated and ready to take on the day.
I've struggled through the lockdowns, mainly because I lost my job and am a very social person, Not seeing other people has been hard at a hard time. If I don't run, I start to feel anxious. Running makes me feel amazing. When I run I can switch off and relax. Then afterwards I gain clarity. I feel healthier and sleep much better. It seems so simple that an hour of running should be able to do that, but it really does it for me.
Definitely a help. When the dark cloud is headed my way, I can choose to run or hide under the covers but the running days are without doubt better because of the run
I agree with the help-some phrase... I have a lot of anxiety... and I can say without a doubt, that I feel a difference after a run. I have a more positive outlook and am not as anxious, and feel more relaxed.
Couldn't agree more. Running is definitely one of my tools in my toolbox. Along with anti-depressants and I am not afraid to admit it. If you are sick ask for help you will be surprised how many people want to help you. It is life or death!
I do think it has helped me in the past, although since my wife passed away in July I've had trouble getting out to run. Right now I'm working on walking until I feel comfortable running again. I agree we have to be careful. While running can help, someone with depression may need counseling and/or medication and we would never want to say something that could be interpreted as suggesting that running is a substitute for competent professional help.
Absolutely. I suffered depression a couple of times (months at a time). Meds helped but grief at losing my dad was too much and triggered the worst episode. While it wasn’t running, I did pull myself out of the hole with a daily exercise regimen (kickboxing/strength).
Since I have become an active runner, I know it’s chased away all sorts of stress and anxiety before it can turn into something more sinister.
This is absolutely true. My running journey started in a dark, and unconventional way. I ran during grad school while in the grips of a deep depression that almost killed me, and I ran because I thought that I deserved pain. I ran in the middle of the night in a dangerous neighborhood because I thought "whatever happens to me, I deserve it".
The switch flipped when I realized that running made me feel strong, worthy, and happier than anything else around me. I stopped running through those neighborhoods at night, and started using it as therapy rather than punishment.
Terrell thanks for posting about this...I exercised quite regularly over the years (primarily weigh lifting) until I turned to running about 4 years ago. I have lived with serious depression, anxiety and suicide ideation for well over 25 years. I never knew ho much running was going to help me...it have truly been a life saver. My mental state has absolutely gotten better over these last few years. Something about the consistency and reliability of running, being outside, listening to podcasts, music or running with friends. The whole thing has lifted my mental state. There is much more that I need to do to maintain good mental health, however, running is a clear part of my treatment plan.
I have shared before that I started to seriously run when I went into depression over my father's sudden mental and physical decline. I also use running to help me cope with all the death, pain and suffering I have been experiencing as a nurse in a Covid unit since March, but most especially in the last few weeks. So, yes, I definitely agree that running helps with depression, but what most caught my attention about that Tweet, was the last sentence. This holds true for so many cures/treatments/therapies/medicines/interventions. Eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, and taking medications all help, but don't necessarily cure all, especially when not done exactly as prescribed. This is what I have wanted to address over and over again on social media posts that state the mask wearing must not help since the number of cases of Covid are still going up. First of all, we know that not everyone is complying, and unlike taking medicines, following a diet or exercise program, this is an intervention that needs to be practiced by OTHERS to be most effective. Also, it is only one of the recommendations that should be followed. In other words, it is not a cure-all, but it helps.
I know that we try and stay away from controversial subjects here, and if you feel this post is inappropriate, feel free to delete. It's just that I'm seeing so much, and running can only help me cope to a point.
There are so many great comments here which resonate with me. For sure it has been a difficult year. I typically have been a social runner and have not always enjoyed running solo. Covid changed that for me as I ran the majority of my runs by myself. This has been hard as I have often felt lonely and disconnected from others. I am a night owl by nature but the majority of my running friends are early morning runners so they were so great about getting me out, seeing so many beautiful sunrises and starting my day out strong. Since I have been running solo most of the last year I have reverted back to evening runs. I often feel a bit guilty about it, as if I am a slacker for not getting out in the morning. But I love running at sunset and how it makes me feel. It gives me a sense of peace and calm, a hush to my soul as the day comes to a close with it's own hush. It was fantastic in December when so many had their Christmas lights on. Because of the pandemic, people were not moving as much as usual and I often felt like I had the world to myself. The crisp, cool air was invigorating and the sky was phenomenal. I began to notice the routines nature has which I had never noticed before. For example, I realized a flock of birds would fly past the same area, in the same direction, about the same time each night. It became a mission for me to try to catch them each night. I ran through so many clear nights with tons of stars. And the moons! Oh my! Fabulous! When there is so much darkness in the world, running in the dark under the lights of the moon, stars and those Christmas lights was incredible. It gave me a sense of awe and appreciation for all God has provided. Somehow running reels me back in to myself and helps to reset my mind and soul to truly what is important to me, what I can personally control in this world and what is most important I do with my time and energy. I no longer feel guilty about running in the evenings. I cherish that time and love that it is my secret sauce to a healthier mind, body and spirit. So I guess my point is, do YOU and follow your heart. Be gracious and gentle with yourself. Appreciate what is in the moment you are in. Because in the end, the moment you are in is the only guarantee any of us has.
It’s been a God send for me. I use a manual wheelchair 24/7. Getting outside and feeling the cool of the air in my lungs is so refreshing
Have you ever gone to church and the very topic they talk about is the one thing that’s been on your mind, or you needed to hear? Well I looked at my phone when your email came through (your a VIP btw) and I chuckled when I read the topic!All day I’ve been down, and I’ve had these days more and more often lately. Lack of motivation, not wanting to get out of bed, wanting to cry all day, no appetite...this was me all day today. I do wonder if I am depressed.
Running does for sure help though! It’s just a matter of stepping foot outside to begin. I’ve even gotten dressed to run and had my coffee, then I’ll get back into bed again. This is so unlike me, but lately, this is the norm.
On the bright side, this group does help! I like hearing from all the members and the likes on Strava after a run are very encouraging. This is a tough time. Praying we get through this quickly.
Thanks for sharing, great thought and comments!! I got a little depressed on my run this morning. I was excited to do my long run, then I got some IBS, I had to end my run early. So frustrating, but I was able to be outside and running. Being outside adds to the light I get from running.
Absolutely! I gave up on exercise for a few years because I was "too busy". I have since learned they busier I am the more I need to make time for a good run. Many times I have thought of a good approach to a problem (professional and personal) while running.
Wow, Matt definitely makes sense.....sometimes the little things we do in life have the biggest impact. Simply putting on my running shoes and just focusing on my breathing and foot falls is therapy in itself. Thank you for sharing this!
I remember a time when I was going through a very painful break-up, there were only two things I wanted to do: read my Bible and run!!!
I've been an off/on runner for the last 11 years. When I first started running 11 years ago I was in the grip of a depression that I'm still shocked that I survived from. There have been times where running was the only thing that made sense of my life and the structure of it kept me going. Unfortunately after finishing my first marathon I was experienced an incredible blow to my self worth that would be triggered everytime I would try and run. It's taken years to recover from that, but I'm back again. With my sweet friend running, and we are rebuilding our relationship. Overall I'm healthier (emotionally and physically) when running is a part of my life. I love the share Terrell. It's not a cure-all, but oh yes, it is a help-some. <3
Who know when I was very young I had high blood pressure and running help that but I also have really bad depression when I run I feel so free and so happy lets my mind wander This is change the way I think have become much more positive person in a much happier person And drugs do not help at all you just got to go out and do it in running really helps
Absolutely helps!!!! I get my runs and workouts in first this in the morning before my day really begins. I find it helps keep me more focused and able to manage stressors that occasionally pop up and try and ruin my day! If I don’t get my workout in first thing, I tend to skip it and then I feel really crappy! Running will always be my best friend for stress relief! Happy Friday!
There is no doubt that running/walking was my salvation during the lockdown this year. My husband was really sick the first weekend in April. I could envision him going into the hospital, but he recovered. Although he was not tested, we are pretty confident that he had Covid. He had long term issues over the summer. I have said many times that exercise was truly my salvation. Coincidentally, I just finished reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Assuming you are quoting the author? The book was magical realism genre and about hope and all the reasons to live.
Running definitely helps lessen the daily malaise of this time of year and the whole state of the world. My mind set is totally different after a run.
Running eases the stress, the sadness. Especially during the winter months. I started running during my college years but quit with my first baby. My second baby started running during college and I started running again and it's been a blessing. It builds my confidence, strengthens my resolve and allows me much needed and much appreciated time alone. I like the image of "airing out the house" from Edith. :)
Oh heck yeah!!! My husband loves to say that he’s afraid for me not to run! He’s (mostly) kidding of course, but there’s a little truth to that. I sleep better and feel better overall. I think I’ve mentioned to you before that as I have gotten older, I don’t run every day anymore, but I do notice if I miss one of my every other day runs. I get a bit more edgy and don’t have as bright an outlook. Definitely not a cure all, but it does definitely help.
It's definitely a help. A friend once told me that in Germany people open their windows every day for half an hour to air out their homes, no matter how cold it is outside, and I'm not sure how true that is, but running feels like this to me. Airing something out. The body the mind, both. It doesn't always fix things, but it often helps put things in perspective.
I've thought about this a lot and I completely agree it's a "help some". I don't think it takes the place of therapy or medication but if it helps you feel even a little bit better it's a help. Some is always better then none.
I've suffered with depression and anxiety for 40 years and medication can only do so much. Running is one of my go to's for dealing with these issues, especially over the last year with Covid. The 2nd tweet says it ALL!!!
Running releases endorphins, which is a transliteration for "endogenous morphine". It acts at the same receptors as opioids hence the "runner's high". It is a natural way to stimulate the good neurotransmitters. It is a good addiction (been on it for 54 years, since I was 13 years old). Also, I went to the Texas Marathon in Kingwood (did the half) on January 1, and a trail run in December. It is so good to be back to normal with live races, everyone having a good time. None of this "virtual" stuff.
Absolutely running helps! As a teacher in this time of Covid, Virtual teaching, hybrid teaching, back to virtual......it's a wonder we all haven't gone bonkers. But, when we were virtual, it did allow me more time to schedule runs in my day, and with more frequency. When I didn't get my weekly runs in, I could tell (as could my husband) that I was getting a bit more "cranky". When my husband would ask if I was going for a run, it was kind of a suggestion that maybe I NEEDED to get out and run off some of my frustrations and anxieties. It isn't a cure-all, but it is definitely a stress reliever, and not just for me. (ask my husband :-) )
i love that 2nd tweet too. i have relived many moments of my life, solved current problems, seen different sides and examined many relationships and issues on my runs. there are times i have left the house and returned and not even remembered i was running. the benefits of running are incredible. when people ask why i don't listen to music when i run, one of the reasons is because the voices in my head would drown it out. not all the time, but when i'm alone sometimes i am able to achieve the best mental clarity. happy friday everyone!
In the last year of Covid experience running helped against depression and bad news. Surrounded by TV depressing news, the daily count of death, panic for risk of losing job, to lose loved people, running helps. I changed my running mental approach. Before it was only about losing weight, running half marathons, training for a specific date. Now is myself and that’s it. One hour per day I run and listen to a good book (fantastic audible) and escape from all negativity. It helps. A lot. At least I know that I am doing something good to keep me fit and in good health, nothing will be the same anymore, but for one hour is all about NO COVD and NO NEGATIVITY
Running definitely helps. I deal with chronic long-term depression and running, especially outside, helps me cope in so many ways. Solo weekday runs help me recharge with some much needed alone time. Saturday runs with friends are always a highlight of my week. Besides just the benefits of exercise, the time I get to talk and vent with my friends is a real mood lifter. I mostly run early and running, watching the sun come up and the colors change in the sky, makes me feel peaceful and restored in a way not much else can.
Yes! Running has helped me SO much mentally!!!!
Agree that getting out for a run can a beautiful thing BUT training for a big goal can be a stressor. Work has been a mess for a couple of weeks, and my brain is tossed between “I should get this work done” and “if you don’t get these miles in, you’re not going to be ready for that race.” Yesterday after lunch, a coworker urged me to get out and enjoy the day, so I did. But it was a terrible run and the whole time I was thinking (I should be working) instead of (ahhhh it’s so good to get out in the sunlight and away from the stress!) So didn’t finish all of the training miles + didn’t get work done = 2x as much stress. 😖 (Nevertheless, gratitude helps a lot here, because I am very grateful to still have a good job. And my weekend long run will make up for the ugly week. I hope. 🤞🏽)
I feel like running has really helped me to stave off depression throughout the pandemic. I tend to be a social person and with everything cancelled there hasn't been much social interaction to be had. At the beginning of the pandemic I put together a small group and we have been meeting to run every Saturday morning since last March. We even added going to brunch after during the summer when things had settled down a bit and we could sit outside. Now with the winter weather and darker days having my Saturday mornings to look forward to is a blessing. I always feel better after a run or workout.
During COVID-19, running has been my relief. I've basically been quarantined since last March. I do take anti depressants but with the way things are, I am truly grateful that I had running and I also appreciate having a half marathon in May to work towards!
Running and working out clears my head, relieves my stress and give me my "Me Time". I am a morning person so I get it done early... I feel strong, motivated and ready to take on the day.
I've struggled through the lockdowns, mainly because I lost my job and am a very social person, Not seeing other people has been hard at a hard time. If I don't run, I start to feel anxious. Running makes me feel amazing. When I run I can switch off and relax. Then afterwards I gain clarity. I feel healthier and sleep much better. It seems so simple that an hour of running should be able to do that, but it really does it for me.
Definitely a help. When the dark cloud is headed my way, I can choose to run or hide under the covers but the running days are without doubt better because of the run
I agree with the help-some phrase... I have a lot of anxiety... and I can say without a doubt, that I feel a difference after a run. I have a more positive outlook and am not as anxious, and feel more relaxed.
Couldn't agree more. Running is definitely one of my tools in my toolbox. Along with anti-depressants and I am not afraid to admit it. If you are sick ask for help you will be surprised how many people want to help you. It is life or death!
I do think it has helped me in the past, although since my wife passed away in July I've had trouble getting out to run. Right now I'm working on walking until I feel comfortable running again. I agree we have to be careful. While running can help, someone with depression may need counseling and/or medication and we would never want to say something that could be interpreted as suggesting that running is a substitute for competent professional help.
Absolutely. I suffered depression a couple of times (months at a time). Meds helped but grief at losing my dad was too much and triggered the worst episode. While it wasn’t running, I did pull myself out of the hole with a daily exercise regimen (kickboxing/strength).
Since I have become an active runner, I know it’s chased away all sorts of stress and anxiety before it can turn into something more sinister.
I love the “help-some” phrase.
This is absolutely true. My running journey started in a dark, and unconventional way. I ran during grad school while in the grips of a deep depression that almost killed me, and I ran because I thought that I deserved pain. I ran in the middle of the night in a dangerous neighborhood because I thought "whatever happens to me, I deserve it".
The switch flipped when I realized that running made me feel strong, worthy, and happier than anything else around me. I stopped running through those neighborhoods at night, and started using it as therapy rather than punishment.
Running saved my life.