Can exercise help with depersonalization?

I've only recently started to work out at a gym and now that I'm going there, I remember something that one of my friends said about depersonalization. She told me that exercise could help people with it because of energy and helpful hormones produced by exercise.

For depersonalization sufferers, have any of you guys tried exercising? How well has exercise helped you guys?

I don't know the science behind it (and am skeptical when others say they do) but I've found when I deliberately participate in an activity to lessen the DP it doesn't usually work (although there're exceptions). I end up anxious, trying to determine whether it's working or not, and the DP becomes all I'm focusing on. The most relief I've found is in just ignoring it honestly. I did, however, meet someone who was afraid to leave her house due to the surreal quality the outside took on, and she claimed running outside helped her greatly. Eventually, it went away for her, she said, but she never knew exactly when.

Thank you for your input, cntbelivit. So far, I believe it's working a little bit, though I'm not 100% sure. I'd also like to thank you for telling me about her experience with exercising and depersonalization. By the way, I'm sorry for not replying in time, too.

You're welcome, and, it's totally fine. Try not to obsess over "getting better" too much!

cntbelivit wrote:You're welcome, and, it's totally fine. Try not to obsess over "getting better" too much!

I'll try my best.

I have found it to work to a great extent. If you are exercising to try and suppress your DP, it won't work, as you are still contemplating your DP. If you exercise with the intent to improve your fitness, you have a goal outside of DP and you will feel a lot better. I was an avid runner a few years ago, but unfortunately running is no longer an option for me after a motorcycle accident left me with with a dodgy knee. Instead of running i started to lift weights. I started lifting with the intent of getting a muscular, yet toned body. So far it's working and i have more control over my DP/DR than i have ever had before.

I think exercise with the right intent combined with accepting the DP/DR and the strange thoughts they bring instead of fighting them was the key in helping get closer to recovery.

blackheart wrote:I have found it to work to a great extent. If you are exercising to try and suppress your DP, it won't work, as you are still contemplating your DP. If you exercise with the intent to improve your fitness, you have a goal outside of DP and you will feel a lot better. I was an avid runner a few years ago, but unfortunately running is no longer an option for me after a motorcycle accident left me with with a dodgy knee. Instead of running i started to lift weights. I started lifting with the intent of getting a muscular, yet toned body. So far it's working and i have more control over my DP/DR than i have ever had before.

I think exercise with the right intent combined with accepting the DP/DR and the strange thoughts they bring instead of fighting them was the key in helping get closer to recovery.

Hi, blackheart. Thank you for telling me about your experience with exercise and depersonalization. I'm starting to feel more determined towards exercising, now. And since I have a goal outside of depersonalization, I think that will help as well.