Strength training and mental illness

Not for so long time ago the word mental illness was a shameful and a bad word and those of who was diagnose with it was usually either mad, stupid or with a intolerance behavior and then treathen with a disrespect and a shameful view about it.


Fortantly we knew better today.
Deppresions are maybe one of the  most common mental illness we have to face today and can come in many shapes and forms.

Well knowns celebrities like Stephen Fry and many others has come forward and told about their fights against it and busted some of the bad myths around it. I was diagnose with a form of bipolar disorder and in many years I was going around and not knew what was going on. But after years of strength, cardio training I can assure you it is one of the best investment I have ever done in my life.

Deppresions is usually understood with low spirit and a sadness and radical behavior there for improvement of self confidence and self esteem can realy increase with proper strength training and cardiovascular movements. My first training year was a tough one with up and downs but I was lucky to have a training partner and if you feel it can be a scary thing to take your first step, then try to find a good training partner/friend or a trusty personal trainer.
I was also dreaming of become a super hero like Batman or The Fanthom in my early years and was then associated with the pain and lost they have to suffer, but after years of proper training they was beliving your faith can sure move a mountain.

Another thing is when you begin your training take a moment after the workout to tell your self what a great workout you have done and this is going to work no matters of what.
Positve moods, self-esteem and restful sleeping and healthy nutritions is some of the benefits of what you can feel in the beginning of your workouts.

From Greg Whyte "feel good state." Physiological factors include the release of chemicals (called endorphins), that lead to a feeling of improved well-being. The release of these naturally occurring opiate-like substances results in what we commonly call "runner’s high." Other chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in nerve transport in the brain, are released in greater quantities during exercise and this causes the "buzz" we often experience afterward. It has been suggested that simply increasing body temperature through exercise reduces anxiety, in a similar way as taking a hot bath or a sauna does. In psychological terms, it may be that exercise simply distracts you from the stresses of daily life that create anxiety. Relaxation can have a similar effect, although the impact of exercise lasts longer than relaxation alone. Another psychological factor that improves mental health is the concept of "mastery."

Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity
 
Reduced anxiety


• Best results with “aerobic exercise”
• Best after weeks of regular exercise
• Best benefits to those who are low fit to begin with
• Best benefits for those high in anxiety to begin with
 
Reduced depression


• Best after weeks of regular exercise
• Best when done several times a week
• Best with more vigorous exercise
• Best for those who are more depressed (needs more research)

References:

http://www.fitness.gov/mentalhealth.htm




Our knowledge is improved a lot how important your lifestyle, and proper physical exercise can have a great impact on your illness and be a great treatment along with your diagnose.
If I can, you can!