I squat, therefore I am.

[thefinalsql]

I believe that lifting weights is a cure for depression. Before lifting I can be in a funk or just generally depressed.

Afterward, depression gone, if I was depressed, every time. Can you get an endorphin rush from lifting weights, similar to running a marathon or eating extremely hot food?

Two consecutive days not lifting are brutal. I want to go back and lift some more.

I think, for the first time in my life I am addicted to something good.

[guru]

An earlier thread with an exactly same title -

http://stronglifts.com/forum/i-squat-therefore-i-am-t15610.html

[Portillo]

Im depressed too. Ive never been fat or anything but i have terrible body image. I hate the way i look and i dont like looking in the mirror. Weightlifting which ive done on and off since high school, but recently got serious, is an escape for me.

[Wellhairedbeast]

Exercise does release endorphins so although it wont go as far as curing depression it certainly helps - particularly at this time of year due to the "winter blues".

Now another thing that helps those with those kinds of issues are clear defined goals that are achievable, as that providers motivation which is otherwise a problem with those feeling down.

Also in simple terms any time you achieve something you will feel better due to a feeling of accomplishment - this is why no matter how demotivated you feel you should always lift as you will feel fine afterwards

[ProudestMonkey]

I couldn't agree more... I have been really depressed these last few weeks since I adopted a little puppy because I haven't had the time to make it to the gym as much as I've wanted to. Plus my eating has been way off and I'm not making any progress.

Today is a new day though and like I told myself last night when deciding whether to got the gym or not... no excuses anymore.. get your butt to the gym.

Afterwords I felt great...

I also signed up for training by Mehdi (starting today) and couldn't be more ecstatic.

[guru]

I also signed up for training by Mehdi (starting today) and couldn't be more ecstatic.

Very wise decision. Best personal training you'll ever get.

[MikeD]

I feel the same way. The days I don't train, it seems like I've lost structure in the day.

And after you hit PR's? Don't you feel the f--king man or what? ?

[DeadStrength]

I have been really depressed these last few weeks since I adopted a little puppy

Heh heh, this made me laugh before I even had time to finish the rest of the sentence.

[Portillo]

I also signed up for training by Mehdi (starting today) and couldn't be more ecstatic.

Very wise decision. Best personal training you'll ever get.

Yeah im gonna go for that whenever i get a job and some money.

[iCookie]

Endorphins baby.

In the stoneage, I bet they had never heard of depression.
Today it's common. Probably because people don't move.

Moving around releases endorphins in your blood.

[wrenchhands]

Yeah I get grumpy on my off days sometime.

Although, if you never take an extended break (1,2, even 3 weeks) exercise loses its fun.

But yeah, the only reason I took up weight lifting (not yet strength training) was cause I was depressed, unemployed, and had a ton of time and access to a gym. I wish I could back in time and watch myself then, around 145 pounds, struggling benching 85.