Blurt Foundation: Stamping Out The Stigma, One Word At A Time

I read yesterday’s news about research carried out by teams from Universities of Bristol and Exeter with interest. The research found that there was no significant reduction in the symptoms of depression in a group of people who were suffering from depression. You can read the full article here.

For all of us at Blurt HQ, exercise has been and remains to be a fundamental part of our recovery from depression. In many ways it is a coping mechanism, it gives us a chance to focus on something and there is no denying that the rush of endorphins helps us to feel more positive. We feel a sense of achievement, an increase in confidence/self-esteem, enjoy the fresh air and have made new ‘exercise’ buddies along the way, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

Exercise doesn’t have to be hard-core either, it can be a walk in the park or yoga, which teaches relaxation techniques which are valuable in fighting anxiety and stress.

The research made us wonder if we should remove our ‘Depression and Exercise’ info sheet so in true Blurt-style we put the feelers out – surely we can’t be the only ones who have felt the benefit of exercise in reducing our symptoms of depression?!

This is what some of you had to say:

@KimbersP I think exercise can help keep depression at bay, but my depression was already lifting when I took up running.

@ekmkemp Yes, exercise helps. Running and yoga especially, as you can’t think about much else while you’re doing them.

@joannacolin This new research is flawed talk to ANYONE with experience of depression and using exercise and they likely to disagree.

@markwayt I agree – exercising definitely lifts me out of a depressive state, although it can sometimes be hard to get the motivation.

@broke_grove I agree contrary to the research at uni of Exeter. helps keep me on the up/

@BePrettyFit my depression/eating disorder has all but disappeared since taking up running a few years ago, I think it’s a miracle worker! x

@2rubyroo2 yes absolutely, It’s needed like air, food and water to anyone suffering m/h issues #necessity

@norskie_ke Agree! It enabled me to be free of anxiety, I have more energy & outlook is always more positive after a workout. #HappyVibes

@Joolze10 its certainly helped me. I dont use a gym, but cycle and do gardening/allotmenting

@redbuttongirl Said it before; agree it works for some but I find it tortuous. I end up having huge panic attacks and stumbling out crying