Got fitter and stronger but mentally no better. Why?

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jimiham

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#2513494 27-Jun-2020 04:50

I can relate to what you are saying. I have been lifting weights for about 6 years now and it hasn't improved my mental health at all. I have taken up cycling, running, and rowing all have resulted in no improvement.

But physical fitness has more benefits than just mental health and you should never give up on trying to improve yourself.

I have mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as you mentioned in your post that you relate to Sheldon Cooper, ASD might be something to look in to.

As I said before never give on self-improvement - you will eventually find something that will help.

MileHighKiwi

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#2513514 27-Jun-2020 07:40

Maybe weights is the wrong type of exercise? I enjoy tramping, well, bush walks is better term, I dont do back country hikes, but I try and get out for a few hours now and then and it makes a huge difference to my mental health. I dont think a gym is the best place for people with confidence issues.

Eva888

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#2527476 22-Jul-2020 21:22

Maybe you are trying too hard. Give yourself a break from everything. Stop trying to be someone different...that’s stressful and counter-productive. Be kind to yourself and do things that Spark Joy. If it doesn’t Spark Joy, don’t do it.

My best advice is to stop focusing on your own problems and instead, try helping others. Do some volunteer work. It’s rewarding, it helps you feel happier with your own lot when you see others much worse off. It rewards you and that in turn will lift your self esteem. Seriously. I am sure you have talents to share. Please try it. There are so many worthwhile organisations where you can help out. St John’s, The Hospital, Kids Cancer. Soup kitchens, being a big brother to kids that don’t have fathers, taking old people for walks, teaching kids to read. The list is endless and there are hundreds of organisations that need you.

Mahatma Gandhi nailed it when he said, 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Best Wishes.

dfnt

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#2527479 22-Jul-2020 21:27

I've never had or felt enjoyment out of doing exercise.. it'd be nice, but I guess for some people it has minimal effect on endorphins being produced. Doesn't matter what kind I do, how often or little, makes zero difference to me. At the moment I'm just doing PT twice a week and cardio 3 times a week, weekends off.

I just do it for the physical aspect and just accept it'll never help my mental well being

Item

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#2527810 23-Jul-2020 14:27

To add my two penn'orth worth:

In line with what others have said, the only exercise I ever did to consistently lift my mood was running outside. Pumping iron, indoor rower, exercise bike never really lifted my funk. Almost always, a 2-5k run in the fresh air helps. Now it may be that running doesn't have that effect for you, but it does suggest that trying different types of exercise and different locations is the key.
The best thing I ever did for my anxiety was discuss it with my GP and get onto Effexor (otherSSNRISareavailable). No chest pain/discomfort/panic attacks/intrusive anxious thoughts for 18 months now.

cruxis

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#2527830 23-Jul-2020 15:34

Maybe Low Testosterone, Go get it checked, although at your age it is hard to get it prescribed, NZ is little behind when in comes to that area of mens health.

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