Post-exercise depression is not a commonly discussed topic and affects the health of many people.
The feel-good endorphin rush that comes from working out is one of the most enjoyable parts of exercising, but if you work out too much, your mood can plummet.
Post-exercise depression is not a frequently discussed topic. Here’s how to spot it and avoid it, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.
“Being in that present moment can really help alleviate anxiety,” said Allison Wells, a personal trainer and health coach, who said she experiences post-workout depression more often with her clients.
“They feel depressed or anxious, or have a feeling of exhaustion or overwhelmed after exercising,” she said.
“We know exercise is good for mental health, but too much can be bad,” said Dr. Ashley Zucker, an adult and child psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino.
She said that for some people, a grueling workout can be counterproductive to your mood, even with endorphins due to the release of stress hormones after a grueling workout.
“You want to make sure you’re nourishing your body with both food, water or hydration, and also getting the right amount of rest and sleep,” Zucker said.
Since mental health and physical health are linked, you may not know that you are feeling anxiety or sadness. Experts advise speaking to a mental health specialist to determine the cause of the problem.
“When it interferes with people’s daily lives, it may indicate that there is something else going on, for which they might need to seek additional help,” Zucker said.
