Depression Symptoms

We are in a drug oriented society. There were 60 drugs in common use in the Unites States in the 1960s. Now there are over 6000.

There has been drug use since ancient times. Many cultures have used marijuana, peyote, coca leaves and many other drugs. Alcohol was probably first discovered with naturally fermented berries, and was later developed to include beer, wine and refined alcohol.

But there has not been any society in history where drug use rivaled the use in society at this time.

In the 1980s there was a question on a pharmacology examination in medical school. It said, "What should you do if a patient presents with 10 medications on their list." The answer was, "Stop all the medications."

Fast forward to now. Patients have 20, 30 or more medications. It’s a miracle that they can keep track of them all. Or afford them all. Or even eat their meals with all the pills they have to take.

Here’s the question: Do they need all these medications? Are they really deficient in 20 or 30 chemicals? Is their health better because of taking them? Frankly, it’s not possible. None of the medications are substances that are natural to the body. They are all foreign chemicals. They are all poisons one way or the other.

Don’t think so? Look in a medical book. The side effects go on for pages.

Another question: Do you really need all the medications that you take? Is your life better? Is your health better?

And your antidepressants — are you really less depressed? Or did the pills just remove the highs and lows from your life. Sure, you can take some of the pain out of life with a pill. Or with a shot of whiskey. Or some cocaine.

So what does this have to do with exercise? Well, exercise is the closest thing there is to a miracle cure for depression.

We could get into the physiology of it. The hormones. The release of the natural morphine-like endorphins in the brain.

But there’s no need to get into that. It’s this simple. When you are depressed you don’t feel like moving. Depression is associated with fatigue, lack of energy, lack of desire to do things.

And feeling good is associated with activity, energy, enthusiasm.

So, what happens when you take someone that’s depressed and make them exercise? When you take them out for a run? Or a long walk. Or make them lift some weights?

They are less depressed.

Depressed = lack of energy, fatigue.

Not depressed = activity, movement.

So switch it around.

Lack of energy, fatigue = depressed.

Activity, movement = not depressed.

Does it really work? You tell me. Go out for a run. How do you feel after a few miles? Your muscles might feel worn out from the exercise. But you won’t feel as down. You’ll have that feeling of accomplishment. Your spirits will be lifted.

Can’t run? Then walk. And actually go somewhere. See something new. And then you will see if you don’t feel better.

Or lift weights. You know, when you have a heavy weight over your head the last thing you are thinking about is your problem. You might be thinking about how you are going to get another repetition with that weight. Or how much your chest and shoulders are burning. But not how depressed you are.

We all have decisions to make in life. What to do about your depression is one of them. Taking pills might look like the easy solution. Until you end up with side effects. Or a life with no feeling at all. Or the pills just stop working.

You owe it to yourself to try something else. If you are not exercising the time to start is now. It has to be intense. High volume. High frequency.

Get a coach. A trainer. A friend that exercises, and exercise together. Or just draw on your inner strength — you still have it in you, you know — and make yourself do it.

Start today. Do it again tomorrow. And the next day. It’s the best therapy for depression. You owe it to yourself.

Are You Tired Of Being Fat? Dan Curtis, M.D. is an author, lecturer, and university professor. For more information about exercise you can do: http://www.my-weight-loss-advisor.com/free-exercise-plan.html

Do you need help with your weight? Visit:http://www.my-weight-loss-advisor.com/why-do-I-overeat.html