Hormone Deficiency due to Lack of Physical Activity?

Hello,

I am diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia and bipolar II

I was very physically active until 3 months ago. I woke up at 5-7AM, exercised and that let me start my day in a good mood. I exercised throughout the day between 1-2 hours.

Then I slowed down more and more. I started oversleeping because I did not want to start my day. I was not interested despite I had tasks to do. It's like I knew I had things to do but they were blurry and I had nothing to look forward to. It was very hard to get up earlier and exercise. But after managing to exercise, I slowly started feeling better. Things became clearer and hour later I was ready to tackle my goals with positive mindset. Then after having lunch and napping again I felt like in the morning like I just described. Sometimes I would oversleep until evening. It's very hard to force myself to exercise but that exercise can make a difference how my day goes and ends.

I am trying to test my theory about lack of hormone/s. Like I mentioned I was exercising too much everyday. Running 40 minutes in the morning and weight training after lunch. Could it be that I developed addiction to exercising and lack of that causes that depressive effect I am having if I don't exercise? I would say that I exercised excessively and caused some light injury to my body. I don't want to be depended on exercise because I don't want to wear my body down.

Thank you.

HotPepper wrote: Could it be that I developed addiction to exercising and lack of that causes that depressive effect I am having if I don't exercise? I would say that I exercised excessively and caused some light injury to my body. I don't want to be depended on exercise because I don't want to wear my body down.

Hi HotPeper,
I think you are looking at this the wrong way. As pwBB II exercise and a consistent sleep schedule are probably two of the best things you can do for yourself that don't involve meds. I don't believe that its an addiction to exercise that holds off your depressive episodes, its the fact that you are exercising that is preventing them.

AFAIK there is no set time on how long one should exercise each day. I am not BP, but have reoccurring major depressive disorder. My goal is to minimize the amount of medication I need to be on to remain stable. Today I spent 1.5hrs at the gym but that's unusually long for me. My normal routine is 2 days of weights/TRX with different tracks and a 3rd day of cardio. I exercise once a day and usually do about 1hr 6 days a week. I know it helps me with my MDD.

Also, in college I shared an apartment with a friend who had BP II and not only did she work out at the gym she led group exercise classes making her workout schedule look more like yours - multiple trips to the gym probably averaging 2hrs/day. She was also on 4 different medications for BP so obviously there was more keeping her stable than exercise and sleep, but it did help.

I really think you should try to stick to a regular exercise routine. As you know there are benefits to it beyond controlling depressive episodes. How much you should exercise depends on what you think you can do regularly - indefinitely. If its wearing you down its too much. Also, if you are injuring yourself at the gym you are either engaging in high impact exercise (which I wouldn't recommend for the reason you gave) or you are doing something wrong. If you haven't already done so pay for a personal trainer for a few sessions. They can help with setting goals and preventing injury. You shouldn't have to live at the gym to feel ok. If you are feeling that you need to spend 1.5-2hrs/day there talk to your psych about adjusting your meds.

And FWIW I never want to get out of bed in the morning either. I just set and alarm and get up - want to or not.

Take care,
-S

Many people overexert themselves when first starting an exercise program and end up quitting. Regular gym goers hate January because it's packed with New Year's Resolution people. Some people are seriously addicted as well. It's certainly a healthier addiction than drugs/alcohol but if you recognize that you are exercising too much take a break. I'd recommend walking/jogging a few miles everyday and go easy on the weightlifting. Going too hard on that can cause back injuries particularly deadlifts/squats. It's also fall now, and humans are programmed to sleep and eat more. If you think you have a hormone issue like thyroid which is very common, I'd talk to your doc about a blood test.

Shattered Mind wrote:I don't believe that its an addiction to exercise that holds off your depressive episodes, its the fact that you are exercising that is preventing them.

I don't remember how it felt when I was normal, not exercising at all. I didn't really exercise until 2014 but I don't remember how it felt when I didn't. What were my reasons and motivation to move forward... I think I went through a personality change.

I can tell that most people that I see barely exercise. While I would like to be like most people without relying on exercise, I would still choose exercise than relying on meds. It's just that I feel I no longer have reason for self-improvement, to look forward and expend energy to exercise.

Do you think the underlying cause of depression can actually be not hormone deficiency that causes depression but lifestyle? I mean normally people advance in life, they mature, build relationships, acquire car, get mortgage, built family and all that in order to become fulfilled in life. I am 34 and don't have that. Could it be the real cause because I feel that I am not where I should be at my age?

Shattered Mind wrote:AFAIK there is no set time on how long one should exercise each day. I am not BP, but have reoccurring major depressive disorder.

Do you have feeling that you are not "good enough"? Do you find yourself dwelling on negative things from your past? Do you have negative thoughts that overtake positive thoughts? Do you tend to pay attention to thoughts about your weaknesses than strengths? I have all this and I wonder how to overcome it.

Shattered Mind wrote:And FWIW I never want to get out of bed in the morning either. I just set and alarm and get up - want to or not.

Take care,
-S

I could do that but what prevents me is a feeling that I don't have anything to look forward to and that I would wake up and won't have anything to do.