Exercise induced depression?

Hmm. Running can be tough with that kinda stuff. It puts you in a place where many thoughts can come all at once, and it can be overwhelming. I dealt with some anxiety/depression a couple of years back. The numbness sucks. It's great that the suicidal thoughts have gone but do know that the numbness can go away too. It did for me.

It sounds like runs make you feel not numb though, having big emotional reactions afterwards. Maybe that's a good thing. I had a panic attack once on a run. Had a lot of thoughts swirling on a run, stopped for a second, and then just started breathing really fast all of the sudden. Didn't seem like there was any real reason for it. You're not alone on this one, milestogo11.

I don't take meds, but I am depressed. This happiness to me during / after running too. Running is a good thing to do to clear your head and feel better, but you can also have a lot of thoughts and memories swirling in your head that can all hit you at once. I don't really have a solution, but I hope it gets better :)

This sounds like what happens after I ride in the morning. Injuries forced me to transition from running to cycling, and i tended to do workouts in the morning. Afterwards I would have meltdowns where i just sobbed for no reason. For me the key was eating more beforehand, as I think i was bonking a little. My therapist suggested that when i start getting emotionally frazzled I step back to keep myself from spiraling - maybe try that?

Are the bouts of crying happening after double days? morning runs? particularly hard efforts?

Listen to upbeat 80's music during your run

Dude, get yourself a nutrabullet and smash up a good range of colourful fruit and veg 3 x a day. I am convinced that a significant portion of mental health is related to diet and lack of certain nutrients. Not all obviously but A significant amount I believe. Not much to lose in trying and the worse that can happen is you get healthier.

All the best with it.

I also take Lexapro, but mainly for anxiety. I have found running can both help and hinder my anxiety and try my best to spot triggers. When I am in a general training block, running more easily and less structured I am typically fine. However, when I am into deep marathon training, workouts and long runs seem to increase my anxiety. I think its important to make sure you are well rest, hydrated and eat well during these points. As fatigue can def set off anxiety and depression.

For me, a lot of times being a bit more flexible with my training can also alleviate symptoms. I prefer to follow plans like jack daniels that aren't as fixed and allow for a bit more flexibility when I am struggling.

Not sure I really offered any sound advice, but your not alone.

idk if this makes sense but if you think of running as a kind of stimulant then in a way it could kinda counter you meds which leaves you feeling more? not sure if that makes sense or how to help but just my impression

Rayo. wrote:

Dude, get yourself a nutrabullet and smash up a good range of colourful fruit and veg 3 x a day. I am convinced that a significant portion of mental health is related to diet and lack of certain nutrients. Not all obviously but A significant amount I believe. Not much to lose in trying and the worse that can happen is you get healthier.

All the best with it.

I wonder if it could be as simple as a rapid decline in blood sugar after running. OP, try to drink something like Gatorade or eat an energy bar immediately after running and see if that solves the problem.

Declines in blood sugar to low normal can cause emotional episodes in some people

I don't get depressed, but I've noticed that when my blood glucose drops into the low normal range, I get dizzy, irritable, and that "thinking in a fog" feeling. Once it occurs, it takes a very long time to recover, even if I eat something.

I've adjusted my diet to prevent rapid ups and downs in blood sugar.

It's easy to test this approach. You just have to remember to carry an energy bar with you to eat immediately after you finish running. You might also try eating a little before running.

If either approach eliminates the problem, you can experiment with eating/drinking to manage the emotional rollercoaster.

Really appreciate for all of your thoughtful replies. It surprises me to see that so many of us suffer from mental illness.

I'll try to make sure I refuel right after my runs to see if I feel better with more efficient glycogen replenishment.

Thank you all once again, I hope you guys are happy everyday.