Exercise Slams Mens Depression

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We men are a strange species.  Tough rugged exterior, able to take hard knocks and physical poundings on the sporting field, but the hint of a cold or a sniffle and we crumble into “Man Flu” hell.  So why is it that we find it so hard to talk about our feelings? Why are so many prominent male Australian sports people outing themselves as suffering from Depression and Anxiety?

What can we average normal bloke do about it?

Depression and Anxiety are serious health problems, but a simple stint in the garden, run around the block or a workout in the gym may be a way of not only alleviating the symptoms, but also a step towards a way out getting yourself out of the dark “Man Cave” and into the light.

Many of the physical symptoms of depression include:

• tired all the time
• sick and run down
• headaches and muscle pains
• sleep problems
• loss or change of appetite
• significant weight loss or gain

You feel overwhelmed, guilty, irritable, frustrated, lacking in confidence, unhappy, indecisive, disappointed, miserable and sad.

We all know that exercise is good for the body, but there is a growing pile of scientific evidence that suggests it is also good for the brain.

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain as well as releasing endorphins, which is a natural anti-depressant.  My clients often tell me of the positive benefits that they get from exercising.  This includes:

• Increased energy levels instead of tired all the time
• Improved overall health and wellness instead of sick and run down all the time
• Improved sleep patterns (deeper sleep, more sleep, more often) instead of sleep problems
• Increased appetite instead of loss of appetite
• Fat loss
• Muscle gain

So you can see how getting a regular hit of the exercise drug (endorphins) is not only a great way to combat the symptoms of depression, but it’s good for you full stop.  The problem is, when you’re down in the dumps, exercise is the last thing people want to do.  So how do you overcome this?  How do you exercise when your head feels like crap and you are grovelling in a hole?

Probably the best piece of advice I can give you is this: SEEK HELP NOW.  If you can’t talk to family and friends about the way you’re feeling, seek out a professional.

Your GP is most definitely your first port of call.  They can refer you on to professional psychological assistance and medicare usually covers the first few consults.  They are also the most appropriate person to discuss your pharmaceutical options as well.  Other allied health professionals like massage therapists can take away some muscle aches and pains and a nice relaxation massage does wonders as well.  Even a good PT can get you up off the couch and out of the house for a boxing session in the local park.  There are options, if you simply seek them out.

And my final say on this topic: You’re not being tough when you keep it bottled up.  On the contrary, anyone can hold it in.  That’s why so many do.  It takes a tougher man to “man up” and reach out for help, even if it’s just a telephone call to Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

Pat Rae

ABOUT: Pat Rae is a personal trainer, lifestyle coach, massage therapist, motivational speaker, author and presenter.  He is the owner of a boutique PT studio in Brisbane  and an online health and wellness program both of which have been established to help people live healthier, happier and more energetic life through exercise, eating whole real foods and stressing less.  See more at http://www.prpt.com.au & http://www.patrae.com