Depression

The second step to leaving depression behind

Second step to leaving depression behind

Movement!

I could say exercise here but I am under no illusion that the thought of exercise when you are feeling depressed is enough to make you put that head under the duvet again. This is about simple movement which could include a little gardening, a walk to the end of the road, hoovering even. If you can go for a swim or a walk in nature that would be ideal, but it all depends on where you are on that low mood scale. So, be gentle on yourself, start small and work up. A big issue is making the effort, this will need will power but also try asking a friend or partner to encourage you. This is where a therapist can help to formulate goals and objectives and help you stay on track. Not only this but  your therapist can help you understand yourself and discover what is going on unconsciously when you cannot simply move the left big toe! We call this your inner saboteur

Why movement?

Well, we all know exercise can help regulate bad sleeping patterns and can combat lethargy by helping you feel  more vibrant. However, there is much more than this movement stuff than meets the eye. Exercise strengthens the brain like it strengthens muscles, it releases  steroids (BDNF) which builds resilience to problems and increases neurone growth in the frontal lobe of the brain.  Serotonin is all about motivation and will power and this will be increased which then encourages the further release of the brain steroids. Other chemicals  released through movement are Norepinephine  which helps with difficulties in concentration and deep thinking, Dopamine for pleasure and decision making, and Endorphines which just simply makes  you feel better.

Good luck on taking your second step.

Read about the first step to leaving depression behind.

Tags: depression and movement, goals, movement