According to the  Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 18% of U.S. adults age 18 and older suffer from an anxiety disorder. That’s 40 million people. About 16 million experience a major depressive disorder.

In many cases it takes the combination of medication, therapy and exercise to treat these disorders, yet oftentimes one of the first things a therapists asks is, “Are you exercising?”

Why?

Well, prescriptions and therapies require trial and error to find the right fit. Though extremely valuable in building a healthy future, it can be a hard road. Exercise is pretty much a sure thing to ease symptoms. And the benefits extend well beyond a boosted mood.

 

Let’s Get Real. I’ll Start.

I lost both my parents sandwiched between a tour in Iraq.  I am a combat veteran who has dealt with severe depression, anxiety and PTSD for 14 years. We can’t do anything about our mental health if we don’t name it and we let it shame us.

There have been severe low points in my life as well as baby steps and huge milestones in my treatment. I have been an active person since my early twenties but my depression often times prevented me from consistent practice. I have ridden a roller coaster of medication and therapies in my lifetime. One great therapist was very skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy which helped to manage daily stressors and coping skills. However, there was still headway to make on my traumas.

Time for more research.  I discovered EMDR therapy, which empirical evidence has shown to be the most effective treatment for trauma. It was not very common at the time, so I put it on the back burner. Still being proactive in my mental healthcare,  I focused on finding peace through adventure and a slower pace of life. I moved to Bend. My mood was definitely boosted but mountains were not a cure-all. I worked with my primary care doctor to find a good fit for medication.

Getting closer.

I looked back into EMDR and connected with a local practicing therapist. It made an instant and noticeable impact.  The puzzle was starting to come together and I was in a great place to fully commit to a consistent training regimen. I focused on correcting imbalances from injuries and poor posture. This allowed me to lift heavier. I became my strongest self and my mental health followed.

 

Mood Boosting and Beyond

The improvements as a result of my new fitness routine are pretty telling:

• better mood
• increased daily productivity
• improved sleep

Personal trainers have the same struggles as most folks – it’s hard to make time for fitness! These days when my mood dips and anxiety starts to take over, I realize that my fitness has taken a backseat to the responsibilities of owning a new business and I  haven’t worked out in two or three days. As soon as I put my foot down and make the time, I immediately feel better.

There are also additional benefits that people may not think of in regards to exercise. When you start to feel healthier, more fit and in most cases experience body composition changes, your confidence increases. Your commitment level increases. (Read: making the time for fitness gets easier!) There are many valuable mental health benefits to exercise including:

• Increase of good chemicals like endorphins
• Decreased stress and anxiety
• Boosted energy levels
• Increased confidence
• Positive coping skill
• Mental and emotional fortitude (training is much more about this than physical strength)
• Positive social interaction (gym community, group training and fitness classes, running partner)
• Meditative practice

 

When life takes an awful turn, you will be ready.  Challenging yourself physically will give you emotional strength. Learn a new, complex movement like a deadlift or Turkish Get-up. That extreme focus and concentration puts you in almost a meditative state. Grab a running partner or gather some co-workers for a group training class and feel your support network strengthen.

 

Do Something, Not Nothing

If you suffer from chronic or clinical depression or anxiety, are experiencing a significant life-changing event, or just feeling down, put your shoes on and get moving. Stress and mental health disorders can rob you of energy and motivation.  A good rule to follow: doing something is better than nothing. Walk at lunch, sneak in a 15 or 20 minute mini-workout, or find a movement you enjoy and practice it several times a day.

I am not cured of my mental health disorders. I will never be “cured.” Though I am not perfectly happy, I know how to treat my symptoms. I feel the best that I have in as long as I can remember and I will not lose the progress I have fought for.

I will not lose the progress I have fought for.

 

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, do something, not nothing. Ask questions, share a coffee, go for a walk. Remember, you are worth fighting for, your loved ones are worth fighting for, but you have to be proactive in the fight. If you or a loved one is ready to take those first steps come see us at Camp Victory and we will do our best to take care of you or yours.