Fighting Depression

[bosnianworrier]

I have been depression free for nearly a decade. Besides leading a productive life and taking medications, my wife kept me always happy because she understood me and we were simply happy.

I do however have general anxiety disorder and other symptoms caused by it.

But recently my wife left me. She now wants divorce and we have to go to court for child custody.

Her leaving has shocked me. The depression is crushing me like never before. I cry all day long, sleep 16 hours, have no interest in anything anymore.

But I have decided to fight it. Besides going to see a shrink and possibly change my meds, I decided to join a gym. Then I thought to buy home gym instead of going out due to my possible, self diagnosed, paranoid personality disorder.

In other words my question would be, does physical activity help against depression?

[bosnianworrier]

Thank you both.

Mark forget the suicide invitation. You have ALWAYS something to live for. Sure sometimes it is hard but there is always something worth living for.

My wife would come back to me (according to our latest conversation) but her family made a vow if she does, she has lost them.

So it is a very complicated situation but if there is God, I hope He will hep me.

[Mark1313]

Dude, I'm with ya.  Yes, if you can get out even for a walk it helps.  I walk very early in the morning just before light so i don't have to deal with people and it helps.  My wife is very understanding but even she has her limits.  I know my depression causes her pain and to tell you the truth if she told me today she wanted a divorce I would not be surprised.  Depression is hedious, not just for the the person who suffers from it but all around them.  I wonder if I'll ever be the same, all we can do is keep trying.  I don't want sucicide to be my legacy for my kids (all grown) but there are days it looks very inviting.  So try to get out and excercise on the days you're UP and maybe you will have fewer DOWN days.  Lots of people on this earth you will find someone and remember your children need you!!

[ILADVOCATE]

In addition to medication and talk therapy, excercise and physical activity is good for helping depression as people tend to slow down and become undermotivated during depressive episodes but interaction with people is an essential part of it as well as depression often leads people to self isolate.