depression and lifting

[gabulldogs02]

man im so sorry to hear that.

here's my advice, from personal experience

I let myself stop lifting -- big mistake. It was so hard to started again, and in retrospect it made me feel worse because i really enjoyed training. I was just super-low on energy all the time.

my advice to you is drag yourself into the gym and do a chill maintainence routine. you don't want to exhaust yourself if your having emotional trauma. but i REALLY recommend you keep the habit, so you don't lose it and to get a shot of endorphins every other day.

I agree with casualbb here... Dont let yourself get out of that habit. Once you stop it can be hard to get back in. When you go you dont have to go all the way and wear yourself out, go in and give 50%. Its better than not going. I know it can be tough, my prayers are with you and your family.

 

[socom3]

I cant put myself in your shoes but i have experienced depression before-lifting and keeping a normal routine helped me alot.Sorry for your loss bro.

 

[fortunatesun]

Had some medical problems many years ago that triggered clinical depression. I'd have to say hitting the weights hard helped me through. Having that time every day to clear your mind and focus your energy in a physical sense truly helps you release the rage and frustration. Allows you to break down and rebuild, and to find your center again.

 

[kaukasion]

thanks for the support and advice
im going to keep lifting
i didnt know if it was natural to slide backward so much because of emotional problems
thanks guys

 

[LiftingDukkha]

I definitely slid backward after my mom died about 6 years ago. I think I kept at working out but I also had other commitments & it was tough for me not to lash out at other people who perhaps treated me as I perceived unfairly, because I felt everyone should have been treating me with kid gloves. Eventually the pain/anger/self-pity dissipated, but it did take time, I think that's completely natural. But it probably is necessary to (1) accept that it's simply going to take time to crawl out of the hole; and (2) keep a normal routine and latch onto routine as a helpful way to help you get out of the hole sooner, or at all, anyway.

 

[carlsuen]

wow.. i'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.. in my experience if i feel bad and depressed.. lifting has always helped.. i'd take it out on the weights.. and i'd manage to get a PR everytime!! and after the work out.. i feel so much better.. cuz i've let out my fustration/depression/anger.. don't stop.. cuz lifting is one of the most positive aspect in alot of our lives on these boards.. i think it's yours too..

 

[Anthrax Invasion]

I agree with casualbb here... Dont let yourself get out of that habit. Once you stop it can be hard to get back in. When you go you dont have to go all the way and wear yourself out, go in and give 50%. Its better than not going. I know it can be tough, my prayers are with you and your family.

I'm finding it hard to even stay interested 'cause of my injury, and I keep forcing myself to stick with the lifting mindset.

I dunno if I'll ever be the same.

Sorry for the loss, OP. My father passed away this Summer - t'wasn't fun. Still isn't. Still got a rough road ahead (mother can't afford mortgage, lived here my whole life, school + full-time job [yay promotion!], and a full-time relationship [hoo-rah]). Do whatever you need to enjoy yourself. If it's lifting, lift. If you can't do it right now, don't. I'd just give yourself a break. Don't expect too much from yourself right now. You need a break.

 

[riverrock]

I would also say that you should drag yourself into the gym. Even if you only do short sets and lower reps, at least your still lifting. I went through something similar after a personal loss. Its hard to force through that last rep like nothing else matters when you have just seen a wider picture. Reduce your training by 20% but keep training. Your body certainly won't say no to a temporary rest and your mind will get a chance to get its thoughts together as well.

 

[monkey_boi]

Sorry for your loss man. If lifting helps take your mind of things, then I say go for it but
don't stress if you're not 100% focused. Head up and best of luck to you.

 

[hardrock]

I can relate bro. My mom found my brother dead on the 4th of Jan. He took his own life. He was also my best friend. My boss gave me 10 days off and all I did was lay around the house. Get up, lay on the couch, maybe eat a couple times then go back to bed. This is on the days I wasn't drinking. I only hit the gym once in 3 weeks.

I now am back to 3x a week and feel much better. For me lifting helps keep my mind off it or at least from dwelling on it. Not to mention the felling you get after a good workout.

I'd say take a little time off if you need it, but don't let yourself get too far in a rut. it's just that much harder to climb out of.

Good luck bro. I wish you and yours the best!